Biological Sciences
Dr. John R. Geiser
Associate Professor
E-mail: john.geiser@wmich.edu
Office: 3933
Wood Hall
Lab: 4017 Haenicke Hall
Office Phone:
269-387-5392
Lab phone: 269-387-5503
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Research Description
Area of Research: Microbiology, Molecular Biology
We have two ongoing projects in my laboratory: identification of cellular targets of Yersinia pestis (plague) and generation of novel drugs through engineering of cyclic peptide producing organisms. Each project uses molecular biology and fungal genetics to get us to the desired goal.
Cellular targets of Yersinia pestis (plague)
Goal: To understand the structure/function relationship of protein toxins of Yersinia pestis responsible for inactivation of immune cells during infection and subsequent establishment of plague.
We use a yeast model system to identify cellular targets of YopO, YopT and YopE using the two-hybrid system and characterization of dominant suppressors. This work is pursued using genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Engineering of cyclic peptide producing organisms
Goal: To engineer fungal strains capable of expressing novel cyclic peptides with anti-biotic or anti-fungal properties.
This work is pursued using genetics, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques in multiple fungal systems.
Collaborative project with AureoGen Biosciences, Inc.
Students in Dr. Geiser's laboratory
Laura Nejedlik - Doctoral degree program
Veronica Garcia - Doctoral degree program
Vanessa Revindran - Doctoral degree program
Victoria Koepke - Undergraduate degree program