Mechanisms of membrane biogenesis and peptidoglycan remodeling during sporulation

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My research program seeks to understand the structural and functional changes that occur in the bacterial cell envelope during growth and cell division. Although bacteria occupy every niche in the biosphere and sustain life on this planet, they are faced with unpredictable environments. To survive, they have evolved a sophisticated, multilayered cell envelope structure composed of either one or two membranes and a mesh-like polymer (peptidoglycan) that protects them while allowing the selective passage of nutrients and waste products. Spatial and temporal regulation of changes in the cell envelope is essential to bacterial growth and division. Moreover, the bacterial cell envelope is a major target for antimicrobials. Thus, research into the bacterial cell envelope provides insight into fundamental biological processes and is critical for understanding human health and disease.