Richard T. Marconi,
Ph.D.
Department of
Microbiology and Immunology
Medical College of
Virginia at VCU
Several postdoctoral and
technician positions are available to study the molecular mechanisms of
Lyme disease pathogenesis and Lyme disease vaccine development
1) Immune evasion mechanisms of the
Lyme disease spirochetes. Recombination and mutation in genes encoding
outer surface proteins of the Lyme disease spirochetes, coupled with
their differential and temporal expression, allows for immune evasion
and the establishment of chronic infection. Research efforts seek to
define the molecular mechanisms associated with the differential
expression and antigenic variation of the OspE and OspF protein
families. A second area of focus centers on the mechanisms employed by
the Lyme disease spirochetes to circumvent complement mediated killing.
Recent evidence demonstrates that the Lyme disease spirochetes bind
factor H and Factor H like protein-1 (FHL-1) which serves to decrease
the efficiency of alternate complement cascade. The identity of the
Borrelia proteins that bind these complement regulators and the
nature of their interaction with factor H and FHL-1 is currently under
investigation. These studies will provide information regarding the
immune evasion mechanisms of the Lyme disease spirochetes.
2) Environmental adaptation mechanisms
of the Lyme disease bacteria: The Lyme disease spirochetes cycle between
ticks and mammals during their enzootic cycle. These environments (and
micro-habitats therein) are characterized by radically different
conditions which the bacteria must sense and rapidly adapt to. The 18
member Bdr protein family is thought to play a role in environmental
sensing. The Bdr proteins are inner membrane localized and are
differentially expressed and environmentally regulated. Serine-threonine
phosphorylation of these proteins is thought to occur in response to
changing conditions. Transcriptional studies and knock out mutagenesis
are being performed to determine the role of these proteins in Borrelia
pathogenesis. Biochemical approaches are being employed to study the
structure and phosphorylation state of the Bdr proteins. These studies
will provide insight into the mechanisms employed by the Lyme disease
spirochetes to survive in radically different environments.
3) Lyme disease vaccine development:
There is currently no vaccine available for Lyme disease. Several
promising candidates for vaccine development have been identified.
Future analyses will seek to modify these proteins to enhance their
immunogenicity and increase their protective capability.
Requirements: For post-doctoral
positions a Ph.D. in microbiology, biochemistry or a related discipline
with 0 to 3 years of postdoctoral experience is required. Two letters of
reference are required and can be forwarded by e-mail. For laboratory
technician positions, a B.S. degree in science is required.
Dr. Richard T.
Marconi
Associate
Professor
TEL:
804-828-3779
E-mail:
rmarconi@vcu.edu
Room 101 McGuire
Hall
Department of
Microbiology and Immunology
Medical College
of Virginia Campus
Richmond VA
23298-0678
