Daniel Nelson

My research interests include studying bacterial pathogenesis and bacteriophage-host interactions, although the largest part of my current research is centered on proteins that are part of the bacteriophage lytic system. These proteins, known as lysins or endolysins, have the ability to rapidly bind to and degrade the cell wall of a host species. As such, they represent an alternative approach to conventional antibiotics. My laboratory focuses on structure/function and engineering studies for several of the more active endolysins. Based on this collected knowledge, my group is now generating endolysins with more desirable attributes, such as higher activity, an expanded host range, or a more favorable thermostability profile. It is anticipated these bioengineering approaches will result in development of the next generation endolysins with enhanced properties.