Autotransporters are a large superfamily of virulence factors produced by pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. These proteins consist of an N-terminal extracellular (or “passenger”) domain that encodes a virulence function and a C-terminal β barrel domain. Although it was originally proposed that the β barrel domain forms a channel in the outer membrane through which the covalently linked passenger domain is secreted (whence the name "Autotransporter"), work from our lab and other labs has recently challenged this view. We are currently studying the role of the β barrel domain as well as other periplasmic/outer membrane factors in promoting the secretion of the passenger domain. We are also interested in understanding the mechanism by which a subset of autotransporter passenger domains that are release from the cell surface by proteolytic cleavage are endocytosed by epithelial cells and produce cytopathic effects.

For examples of our previous work on this topic, please see Szabady, R.L. et al. (2005) PNAS 102:221; Skillman, K.M. et al. (2005) Mol. Microbiol. 58:945; Dautin, N. et al. (2007) EMBO J. 26:1942; Barnard, T.J. et al. (2007) Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 14:1214; Dautin, N. and Bernstein, H.D. (2007) Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 61:89; Ieva, R. et al. (2008) Mol. Microbiol. 67:188.

Applicants must have a Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, or a related field and less than five years of postdoctoral experience.

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Dr. Harris Bernstein
Genetics and Biochemistry Branch/NIDDK
National Institutes of Health
Building 5, Room 201
5 Memorial Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892-0538

E-mail: harris_bernstein@nih.gov


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