Michael Malamy, Ph.D.

We are investigating factors that contribute to the virulence of Bacteroides fragilis, an anaerobic pathogen. We have developed new genetic tools and a new transposon mutagenesis system to study the basis of oxygen tolerance, the regulatory mechanisms that control gene expression under anaerobic growth conditions, and the regulation of genes during aerobic stress. DNA exchange occurs between Bacteroides strains, and is important in the acquisition and dissemination of new virulence factors including antibiotic resistance. We are investigating the mechanisms of DNA transfer in Bacteroides, and studying the properties and mechanisms of a novel mobilizable transposon of B. fragilis.