Section: Rotations

John Leong, Ph.D.,M.D.

Academic Role: Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Other Affiliation(s):
   Bacterial Genetics and Pathogenesis
   Cell Dynamics Group
   Center for AIDS Research
   Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
   Program in Immunology and Virology

Rotation Projects

1.  Role of cell attachment in tissue colonization by the Lyme disease spirochete. Mice will be infected with mutants of the Lyme disease spirochete that are incapable of recognizing specific host molecules to identify the interactions that are critical for bacterial colonization.

2.  Role of a T-independent B cell response in the control of Lyme disease. Immunodeficient mice reconstituted with a specific subset of T-independent B cells will be challenged with the Lyme disease spirochete to determine what cellular components of the immune system contribute to immunity to Lyme disease.

3.  Reconstitution of EHEC O157:H7-mediated actin assembly in cell free extracts. Small particles coated with effector proteins of EHEC O157:H7 will be added to extracts from mammalian cells or Xenopus laevis (frog) eggs to reconstitute actin assembly in vitro.  The critical host molecules participating in this pathway will be identified.  

Office: S6-214
Phone: 508-856-4059
E-mail: John.Leong@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Microbial Pathogenesis, Organisms - vertebrate/human cell lines, Cytoskeleton, Infectious Disease, Organisms - microbes

More on John Leong's Research Research | Publications | Rotations | Biography View All Sections on One Page