Characterisation of novel P. gingivalis cell surface proteinase/adhesins

• Professor Eric Reynolds

  Head of Laboratory

  e.reynolds@unimelb.edu.au
  03 9341 1547

Project Details

We have a strategic research program to characterize the novel extracellular proteinase/adhesin complexes of P. gingivalis and determine their role in pathogenesis using animal models. Using a combination of genetic and protein approaches including insertional gene inactivation, site-directed mutagenesis, protein cross-linking and mass spectrometric analyses we are determining the structure, function and secretion of these unique cell surface proteins. Using a series of isogenic mutants we have already determined that these proteins are the major virulence factors of the bacterium.