Our lab is using molecular biological and microbial genetic techniques to study virulence factors in bacterial pathogens. We are investigating the group A streptococcus, a serious human pathogen that causes "strep throat," rheumatic heart disease, toxic shock syndrome, and other serious invasive diseases. Because this organism can cause so many different diseases, we feel it is important to understand regulation of expression of its virulence genes. We are currently studying regulation of and by CovR/S, the signal transduction system that controls expression of 15% of the genes of this bacterium. We are also studying mechanisms for surface localization of proteins on Gram+ bacteria because such proteins are often important virulence factors. In addition, we are studying the CS1 adhesin of enterotoxigenic E. coli, which causes diarrhea in infants and travelers. This hair-like structure is a focus of study because of its vaccine potential, as well as its novel biological aspects. We are investigating both the mechanism of assembly of these structures on the bacterial surface and the unusual genetic regulatory mechanisms that control their expression.

EMAIL: [scott@microbio.emory.edu]

WEBSITE: [http://www.microbiology.emory.edu/scott/index.htm]