Faculty Profile
Name: Robert Burne
Homepage: http://www.dental.ufl.edu:1180/Offices/Oral_Bio/Faculty_pages/RBurne.html
Research Interests:
Bacterial Pathogenesis, Biofilms, Environmental Regulation of Virulence Gene Expression, Global Regulators of Genes in Bacteria

Current Running Projects:
Biological - Genetic regulation of biofilm development
Molecular genetic aspects of microbial biofilm formation. Biofilms are adherent populations of microbes imbedded in a polymer matrix and adhering to a surface. Biofilm diseases are highly prevalent in humans and eradication of biofilms is a major challenge. We are using a Functional Genomics approach to identify genes that are essential for the formation of pathogenic biofilms by bacteria. Using genome sequence information and DNA microarrays, we have identified a variety of genes of as-yet-unknown function that are essential for maturation of biofilms and tolerance of environmental stress. This project involves a combination of recombinant DNA methodology, biochemistry, physiology and microbiology to understand how bacteria form structurally complex biofilms and to identify new targets for combating infectious agents.

Requirements: Courses in microbiology and molecular genetics are desirable.

Time Commitment: 15-20h/week
Independent Study: Available
Work Study: Not Available
Salary: Not Available
Volunteer: Available
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