Biography:

I am a veterinarian and have done PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Massey University New Zealand. My research topic was "Molecular mechanism of export of alginate in Pseudomonas aeruginosa". Infection with alginate producing P. aeruginosa can cause death in Cystic Fibrosis patients. In this study we characterized a protein, AlgE, which is required for alginate production. We provided evidence that AlgE forms a pore through which alginate is secreted into the extracellular environment. We identified key amino acids residues required for proper folding of AlgE and secretion of alginate. Furthermore, the the proteins interacting with AlgE were identified. A better understanding of how alginate is synthesized and secreted by P. aeruginosa would provide us potential targets for vaccine or drug designs.