David Popham

Synopsis:

The Popham Lab studies the production, resistance properties, and germination of bacterial spores produced by Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus anthracis, and Clostridioides difficile. Research focuses on synthesis, structure, and degradation of the cortex peptidoglycan wall of the spores, with potential applications in the development of better decontamination methods.

Description:

Dr. Popham's lab works on the formation, structure, and germination of endospores by the Gram-positive genera Bacillus and Clostridium, with the primary focus on the cortex peptidoglycan cell wall of the spore. Studies utilize the model Gram-positive species Bacillus subtilis and the pathogens Bacillus anthracis and Clostridioides difficile. Molecular genetic techniques are used to identify and manipulate the genes involved in wall synthesis and degradation. Biochemical methods are used to examine the activities of wall-active proteins and the peptidoglycan structural alterations associated with genetic and phenotypic changes. Potential applications of this research are in antibiotic design, in spore killing for decontamination, and in activation of spore germination in industrial processes.