Marine Microbiology and Drug DiscoveryThe major focus of research in my laboratory is the investigation of symbiotic bacteria associated with marine invertebrates, in particular, sponges. Many important compounds with pharmaceutical potential have been discovered in sponges. Some of these compounds are produced, not by the sponges themselves, but by bacteria associated with the sponges. We identify these bacteria, by cloning the genes encoding the 16S rRNA from these sponges. We rationally select culture conditions to grow a higher proportion of the bacteria, including some that produce important compounds. Collaborator: Mark Hamann, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi. We also have projects in the important first stage of the drug discovery process, focusing on discovery of marine bacteria that have a high potential of producing novel products. A major program is the study of actinomycetes from the marine environment. We find a diverse assemblage of novel actinomycetes in the marine environment. The overall aim of this research is to improve knowledge of marine microbial ecology in order to more efficiently isolate marine bacteria which produce important bioactive compounds that can be used as antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs.Diversity and function of microbial symbiontsAll forms of higher life involve interactions between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Sponges are the most primitive multicellular eukaryotic organisms and provide an excellent model system for understanding evolution of complex symbiotic interactions. Microbial communities associated with marine sponges are remarkably diverse, and include novel bacteria not found in other ecosystems. We are studying the diversity and functions of these communities. The role of symbiotic bacteria in nitrogen fixation is under investigation. Signaling compounds produced by sponge-associated bacteria are being investigated with our collaborator Dr. Clay Fuqua at Indiana University.Specialties: Marine microbiologyMolecular microbial ecologyBioactive compounds from marine invertebrates and their symbiontsIsolation of novel bacteria for screening for bioactivity