Research in our laboratory focuses on the spirochete Borrelia (Borreliella) burgdorferi, the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. The enzootic life cycle of B. burgdorferi involves a tick vector and a vertebrate host: different sets of genes are expressed in these diverse environments. We are primarily interested in the molecular mechanisms by which the spirochete senses that the tick vector is feeding on a vertebrate host and subsequently regulates its gene expression to effect transmission. We also study the cellular mechanisms required for persistence of B. burgdorferi in the tick vector.

We dissect the roles of alternative sigma factors, the stringent response and transcription factors as well as small RNAs, RNA chaperones and ribonucleases in the regulation of gene expression and in response to changes in nutrient availability. Another major focus is the biology of the ϕBB-1 bacteriophage, which we hypothesize generates the diverse genetic repertoire required for long-term survival of the Lyme disease spirochete population in its host reservoir. In addition, we are interested in the molecular physiology of B. burgdorferi because of its unusual bacterial genome.  Furthermore, we have been involved in developing molecular genetic tools to address these research questions, including a system to artificially regulate transcription in the spirochete in an enzootic cycle model.

BIOB 260 Cellular and Molecular Biology

BIOB 160N Principles of Living Systems

BCH 380 Biochemistry