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Jean
E.L. Arceneaux, Ph.D.
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Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Texas - Microbial Physiology
Primary Research Interest:
Throughout the years, the main emphasis of the research in our laboratory
(Dr. Byers and I work together) has been directed toward the elucidation
of the mechanisms of iron acquisition in bacteria. Almost all microbes
need
iron to grow
and
survive,
and most
pathogenic microorganisms have several ways to obtain iron to meet
this need. Among the iron acquisition systems described in microorganisms
are
those that involve secretion of and uptake from specific iron chelating
molecules called siderophores, reductive mechanisms for uptake of
ferrous iron, and systems for utilization of host iron molecules such
as heme
proteins, lactoferrin and transferrin. With contributions from many
talented
students, we have characterized iron acquisition systems in Bacillus
megaterium, Streptococcus mutans, Aeromonas hydrophila and Mycobacterium
smegmatis.
Our current efforts are centered on the iron utilization systems
of Bacillus
anthracis. This microorganism possesses a number of mechanisms
to acquire iron, and we have identified a 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate-based
catecholate
siderophore that is produced when the organism is grown in iron restrictive
conditions. While the role of siderophores in microbial virulence
continues to be a focus of interest, we are also investigating other
routes of
iron
acquisition by B. anthracis that may play a role in its survival
in a mammalian host.
Publications:
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