From 2007.igem.org

Contact

Room: M 354, Biological Sciences Bldg.

Phone: (780) 492-2529

Fax: (780) 492-9234

Email: dennisj@ualberta.ca

Academic Training

BSc: University of Calgary, 1983

BSc (A): University of Calgary, 1985

PhD: University of Calgary, 1995

Current Research Interests

Burkholderia cepacia is an important opportunistic bacterial pathogen responsible for causing devastating infections, numerous epidemics, and a significant amount of mortality particularly in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Chronic Granulomatous Disease. In CF, it can produce a rapidly fatal septicemia termed “cepacia syndrome”. Due to the remarkable metabolic capabilities and relatively large, complex genome of this microorganism, B. cepacia strains exhibit a tremendous amount of antibiotic resistance. This high-level multidrug resistance has led to a lack of effective antimicrobial therapy. Using genetic and genomic approaches, we are attempting to identify and characterize potential virulence factor genes that are involved in the antibiotic resistance and pathogenesis of B. cepacia.

Organic solvents are extremely toxic to all living organisms, including microorganisms. In bacteria, organic solvents increase membrane permeability, bring about the leakage of cellular constituents, and ultimately, cause death. Recently, strains of the soil bacteria Pseudomonas putida have been isolated that can withstand the adverse effects of organic solvents. These unique bacteria possess cellular mechanisms capable of producing organic solvent resistance. One of these cellular mechanisms is a specialized multidrug efflux pump that forces out organic solvents that have seeped into the cell. Research projects currently going on in my lab include the characterization of this efflux pump and its regulation. Understanding how these organic solvent tolerance mechanisms operate in bacteria will help explain how microorganisms survive in extreme environments.

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