Faculty

Mark A. Schell, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology
Ph.D. (1979) Cornell University

Address: Department of Microbiology
210 Biological Sciences
Athens, GA 30602-2605
Phone: (706) 542-2815
E-mail: schell@uga.edu
COS CV: http://myprofile.cos.com/schellm68
PubMed: schell ma

Research Interests:
Genomic sequences of >200 microbes are now available, but the detailed, validated functions of many individual genes and the roles they play in microbial physiology and ecology is unknown. We focus on uncharacterized niche colonization genes in plant and animal pathogens in the Burkholderia group and in lactic acid bacteria inhabiting the human digestive tract. Using bioinformatic and microarray technology we mine genomes for novel genes that play critical roles in the ability of these bacteria to colonize specialized ecological niches inside their hosts. Microbes under study are Ralstonia solanacearum (a plant pathogen), Burkholderia pseudomallei (a human pathogen and potential bioterrorism threat), Bifidobacterium sp. and Lactobacillus sp. (probiotic intestinal bacteria of commercial and health importance). Candidate genes are analyzed by constructing knockout mutants which are then studied for alterations in interactions with plant or animal hosts. We hope to discover new genes that are relevant to development of theraputics, vaccines, and health-promoting foods. We also expect to gain basic information about the physiology and evolution of these important bacteria.