FEATURED SCIENTIST


Charles Moran, Ph.D.,
Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine

Microbial genetics; gene expression during bacterial differentiation, RNA polymerase-promoter interactions.
The work in our laboratory focuses on the control of gene expression during bacterial differentiation. Asa the bacterium Bacillus subtilis differentiates from the vegetative form into a dormant endospore, complex morphological and physiological changes occur that require the expression of many genes. During the process, new RNA polymerase sigma subunits appear (oF, oE, oG, oK), displacing one another and conferring on the RNA polymerase different specificities for the recognition of different classes of promoters. One focus of our laboratory is to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate sigma factor function. For example, the DNA binding protein SpoOA responds to environmental signals by activating the transcription of several key operons at the onset of sporulation. We are currently testing the model in which SpoOA, when bound to promoter DNA, interacts directly with the RNA polymerase sigma subunit. We are also studying an example of regulation of gene expression by a morphological cue. During sporulation B. subtilis divides into two compartments (forespore and mother cell) that follow different developmental paths. Forespore-specific transcription is initiated by oF-RNA polymerase, and results in the forespore-specific production of oG, which directs the subsequent forespore-specific transcription. However, oG does not become fully active until engulfment of the forespore is completed. We want to know how the activity of oG is coupled to this morphological change. We have shown that the anti-sigma factor SpoIIAB may play an important role, and now we are attempting to identify additional genes whose products regulate oG activity. The utilization of gene products during the assembly of the complex morphological structures of the spore is governed both by the order of their synthesis, and by the order of their assembly into these structures. It is not known how these two mechanisms are coordinated. Transcription of several genes encoding spore coat proteins is directed by oK, the last o of the cascade. However, premature synthesis of spore coat proteins does not result in the premature assembly of spore coat-like structures. We are attempting to elucidate the mechanisms that regulate the utilization of spore coat proteins.

WELCOME

Message from Phil Rather, Ph.D.
Director, Graduate Program in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG)
Thank you for visiting our web site; a clear indication that you have developed an interest in microbiology and want to learn more about obtaining a Ph.D. in this area of science. What can our graduate program offer you? What is unique about our program that distinguishes itself from other graduate programs both here at Emory and elsewhere? These are questions that I hope you are asking. First, we offer you the opportunity to develop into a scientist by learning the "language" of microbiology, develop the ability to critically read and critique the literature, and learn how "to do science". Neither this nor any other graduate program will result in your being a "finished product" when you earn your Ph.D. This takes time. It is our goal that our graduate students leave here not only with their doctorate, but also with a commitment to being a lifetime learner. By examining the research interests of the faculty you will notice that we are a diverse group of microbiologists. This is not surprising because microbiology has many sub-disciplines. Is there a common theme among our faculty? The short answer is that regardless of whether a group studies bacteria or viruses, we are all interested in what makes microbes "tick". We humans are in constant contact with microbes in our environment and a major effort or common theme for us is to understand the dynamics of this interaction with a concentration on the microbial side of the equation. I strongly urge you to do your "homework" in evaluating your opportunities for graduate study in our MMG program. Read papers published by the faculty. Even if you find it difficult to understand the details of the experimental design or results obtained, a cursory reading of the Introduction and Discussion sections of a manuscript often will give you a good idea regarding the work done in a laboratory. I also find it helpful for prospective students to contact faculty in order to learn more about our program so please feel free to e-mail me (prather@emory.edu) and other members of our faculty. We look forward to hearing from you!

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