Education: Postdoctoral and Visiting Scientists
Bacterial Transposition and Molecular Genetics of Mycobacteria
An NIH-funded position is available to study conjugation and recombination in mycobacteria. We have recently described a novel conjugation system that involves transfer of chromosomal DNA between strains of Mycobacterium smegmatis. A secretory apparatus called ESX-1 regulates this transfer system and is also critical for virulence of M. tuberculosis. The requirement for an intact ESX-1 apparatus for DNA transfer in M. smegmatis provides the first genetic screen for the isolation of mutants affecting ESX-1 activity. A variety of exciting projects exist to study the novel mycobacterial DNA transfer process and its regulation by ESX-1.
Nguyen, K.T., Piastro, K., and Derbyshire, K.M. (2009) "LpqM, a mycobacterial lipoprotein-metalloproteinase, is required for conjugal DNA transfer in Mycobacterium smegmatis." J. Bacteriol. 191, 2721-2727.
Coros, A., Callahan, B.P., Battaglioli, E, and Derbyshire, K.M. (2008) "The Specialized secretory apparatus ESX-1 is essential for DNA transfer in Mycobacterium smegmatis." Mol. Microbiol. 69, 794-808. PMC2347380
Wang, J., Karnati, P., Takacs, C.M., Kowalski, J., and Derbyshire, K.M. (2005) "Chromosomal DNA transfer in Mycobacterium smegmatis is mechanistically different from classical Hfr chromosomal DNA transfer." Mol. Microbiol. 58, 280-288.
Wang, J. and Derbyshire, K.M. (2004) "Plasmid DNA transfer in Mycobacterium smegmatis involves novel DNA rearrangements in the recipient, which can be exploited for molecular genetic studies" Mol. Microbiol. 53, 1233-1241
Flint, J., Kowalski, J., Karnati, P. and Derbyshire, K.M. (2004) "The RD1 virulence locus of Mycobacterium tuberculosis regulates DNA transfer in Mycobacterium smegmatis" PNAS. 101, 12598-12603 PMC51503
Wang, J., Parsons, L.M., and Derbyshire, K.M. (2003) "Unconventional conjugal DNA transfer in mycobacteria". Nat Genet 34: 80-84
Bhatt, A., and Jacobs, W.R., Jr. (2003) Conjugal rites of mycobacteria. Nat Genet 34: 3-4
The Wadsworth Center houses state-of-the-art core facilities in cell, molecular and structural biology and bioinformatics and sponsors an outstanding seminar program. In addition, two academic departments of the University at Albany School of Public Health are located here. The capitol city of Albany offers a reasonable cost-of-living, diverse cultural activities and easy access to the beautiful Adirondack, Catskill and Berkshire Mountains.
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences or an M.D. Experience in molecular biology, genetics, cell biology or protein biochemistry is a plus. Please send a current C.V. and the names of 3 references to Dr. Keith M. Derbyshire by e-mail or write to me at:
Wadsworth Center
NY State Dept. of Health and Dept. of Biomedical Sciences
State University of New York
Box 22002
Albany, NY 12201-2002
E-mail: keith.derbyshire@wadsworth.org