My primary research interests are focused on the biochemical and cell biological action of bacterial toxins that target the actin cytoskeleton. V. cholerae produces a toxin termed RtxA that covalently crosslinks actin once inside the target cell. Although the domain of RtxA responsible for actin crosslinking has been identified, the exact mechanism of actin crosslinking has not been elucidated. My lab is using biochemical and genetic approaches to define the mechanism by which this domain crosslinks actin.

Another primary focus of my lab is focused around the mechanism by which RtxA crosses a target cell membrane. In order to gain access to its numerous substrates, including actin, RtxA must cross a biological membrane. The mechanism by which RtxA, or any RTX toxin family member, crosses a target cell membrane has not been defined. My lab is using biochemical, biophysical and cell biological techniques to elucidate the mechanism of membrane insertion and toxin translocation.

Polysaccharide gels as skin scaffolds

In collaboration with Dr. Anja Mueller of the Chemistry Department at CMU, my lab is interested in the development and testing of synthetic and mixed polysaccharides as a safe skin scaffold. This research is focused not only on the development of a structural sound material for medical use, but also testing the bioavailability of these materials.