This laboratory has focused its efforts on molecular mechanisms of mycoplasmal pathogenesis for many years. To this end, we have developed genetic systems that can be used to identify and analyze virulence factors (Tn4001, integrative vectors, reporter constructs and cloning systems) in mycoplasmas. We have also identified and studied membrane activities that might be involved in virulence (nucleases and hemolysins). Our more recent studies in mycoplasmas have focused on the cilium adhesin of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (P97) and its family of genes, genomic sequencing of M. hyopneumoniae to assess genetic variability and help identify virulence factors and assist in the development of recombinant vaccines against M. hyopneumoniae. We are currently constructing bar-coded transposon libraries in M. hyopneumoniae and M. bovis for the purpose of identifying genes needed for virulence in the host.
- Mycoplasma Genetic Systems and Reporter Vectors
- Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae mechanisms of adherence to swine cilia
- Mycoplasma Recombinant Vaccines
- Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Genomic Sequencing