Morgan Gilman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics
Research Interests
The Gilman lab is broadly interested in the molecular mechanisms that regulate bacterial morphogenesis. The bacterial cell wall dictates cellular shape and serves as the primary defense against environmental stressors. The core chemical structure of peptidoglycan is well conserved, as are many of the enzymes responsible for its synthesis, making it an optimal target for broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, resistance to drugs that target the active site of these enzymes is now widespread, necessitating novel approaches to inhibit bacterial growth. Our research uses a combination of approaches, including structural biology, biochemistry, and bacterial genetics, to probe how bacteria regulate the multi-protein complexes that generate peptidoglycan during distinct biological processes. Ultimately, the lab seeks to identify new sites of vulnerability in the process of cell wall synthesis that could be targeted by innovative treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Values
The Gilman lab is committed to fostering a scientific community in which respect and collaboration are at the heart of success. We believe that clear communication and mutual support best enable personal growth, and that diversity, equity, and inclusion are key to maintaining a healthy community.
