Our approaches include studying the regulation of transcription, mRNA degradation and protein synthesis in cells grown under a variety of culture conditions. In addition, we are studying the physiology of cells immobilized in latex and the development of these biofilms as biocatalysts and biosensors. In another research program, my laboratory is studying the interaction between pathogenic streptomycetes and their host plants.
Streptomyces scabies causes scab disease on a variety of underground vegetables.
In this system, we are characterizing phytotoxins produced by the pathogen that are involved in eliciting lesion formation on the plant, elucidating the biosynthetic pathway of the phytotoxin, and studying the mechanism of biological control of this disease. Relationships of in vitro pathogen inhibition and soil colonization to potato scab biocontrol by antagonistic Streptomyces spp. Neeno-Eckwall, E.C., L.L. Kinkel, and J.L. Schottel. 2001. Competition and antibiosis in the biological control of potato scab. Lyngberg, O.K., D.J. Stemke, J.L. Schottel, and M.C. Flickinger.