Developing a Detailed Understanding of Bacterial Cell Wall Biosynthetic Pathways
Research in the VanNieuwenhze lab is focused on developing a detailed understanding of bacterial cell wall biosynthetic pathways and how peptide antibiotics may inhibit these processes. Toward this end, our current research focuses on two distinct aspects of antibiotic research: (1) We are developing methods for covalent modification of bacterial cell surfaces with small molecule probes for use in cellular imaging, diagnostics development, and potential therapeutic applications, and (2) we are actively carrying out synthetic studies on novel peptide antibiotics that interfere with peptidoglycan biosynthesis in an effort to uncover the relationship(s) between molecular structure, biological activity, and antibiotic mode-of-action.
Distinguished Professor
Robert & Marjorie Mann Chair
Distinguished Professor
Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Science
James F. Jackson Professor of Chemistry
Class of 1948 Herman B Wells Endowed Professor
Adjunct Professor, Physics
Associate Dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences and Research
Associate Professor (O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs),
Adjunct Professor (Chemistry)
Rudy Professor (O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs)
Adjunct Professor (Chemistry)
Professor & Associate Vice President for Engagement
Professor, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
Adjunct Professor