Myler, Peter

The Myler laboratory played a key role in sequencing the "Tritryp" genomes, revealing that the protein-coding genes are arranged in long polycistronic gene clusters. Using genome-scale approaches such as microarray-based transcript mapping and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-chip), as well as more traditional molecular approaches such as electrophoretic mobility shifts assays, affinity chromatography, and in vitro transcription, we are now elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in RNAPII-mediated transcription of protein-coding genes in L. major. In collaboration with Dan Zilberstein (at Technion, Israel), we are using genome-wide approaches (such as RNA-seq and tandem mass spectrometry), to identify and characterize changes in gene expression during differentiation from the insect form (promastigotes) to the mammalian form (amastigotes) of L. donovani and to elucidate the signaling pathways involved in this process. I am also PI of the NIAID-funded Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID), which includes investigators at Seattle BioMed, Emerald Biostructures, University of Washington and Pacific Northwest National Laboratories. To-date, we have solved over 250 three dimensional protein structures from NIAID Category A-C pathogens and organisms causing emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases. These protein structures serve as a blueprint for structure-based drug development, as well as facilitating vaccine development and other basic research.