Group
Current Research Areas
Making biofuels from plant fibers
A major focus of the laboratory the past three years has been the development of an exciting new model system for biofuels research, Clostridium phytofermentans. C. phytofermentans was discovered by Prof. Sue Leschine’s laboratory near the Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts. C. phytofermentans is capable of converting the fibrous parts of plants into biofuels. Our research work with C. phytofermentans began with the genome sequence. The genome contains more and a greater diversity of enzymes that convert fibrous plant biomass into simple sugars than any known biofuel-related bacteria. The influx of biofuels-related genes via horizontal transfer from other microbes may explain why C. phytofermentans is capable of fermenting all major carbohydrate components of biomass. We have designed gene expression microarrays that provide a genome-wide view of how C. phytofermentans converts plant fibers into biofuels. These data are being integrated into genome-based models to aid in strain development.
Evolving Smaller Genomes
We have long standing interests in endosymbiosis and the evolutionary forces evolved in genome evolution. Genomic and environmental sequencing projects have provided a new portal into the genetic diversity of microorganisms. Our goal is to determine the forces reducing genomic complexity. To distinguish among competing hypotheses we are using a combination of comparative genomic studies of natural isolates and mutation accumulation experiments in the laboratory.
Innovative methods for building genome-based models
Many of our projects require the development of new computational approaches and software in order to more effectively use genomic sequence and expression data. These new methods are highlighted under Computational Tools and have led to the application of our methods to human health problems, including breast cancer and stopping oxidative damage that is as a major cause of aging and age-related diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.