STRESS (and how microbes respond)
We are currently investigating stress-related genes in the halophilic Archaeon Haloferax volcanii. The genes were identified by exposing cells to a stressful environment (low salt solution for the halophiles) and gene expression levels compared to unstressed cells.
Carotenoid synthesis and regulation in halophilic Archaea
The retinal and bacterioruberin biosynthetic pathways in H. salinarum. Italics indicate genes that encode catalytic enzymes. The regulatory mechanism of BO inhibiting bacterioruberin synthesis is indicated by the dashed line.
A current study identifies many other species that utilize this system for energy production, and further investigates their phylogenetic history.
Read about us in Colby Magazine!
Publications
Ronald F. Peck, Serena M. Graham, and Abby M. Gregory
Opsin-Mediated Inhibition of Bacterioruberin Synthesis in Halophilic Archaea
Ronald F. Peck, Alexandru M. Pleşa, Serena M. Graham, David R. Angelini, and Emily L. Shaw
And we were featured on the cover!!
Articles in prep:
Reengineering Haloferax volcanii as a platform for potential industrial production of carotenoids
Erika L. Smith and Ronald F. Peck
Comparing gene expression in Haloferax volcanii when exposed to osmotic shock
Margot R. Miranda-Katz and Ronald F. Peck
