Drs. Derbyshire and Gray have backgrounds in prokaryotic and human molecular biology respectively, and now we combine our expertise and enthusiasm in deciphering the molecular biology of mycobacteria. We use the genetically amenable Mycobacterium smegmatis as a model organism for our studies into gene expression, cell-cell-communication, protein secretion and conjugative transfer of chromosomal DNA. We use a combination of standard molecular genetic and genomic approaches, such as RNA-seq, ribo-seq and whole genome sequencing, to provide molecular insight into mechanism and genome architecture.

Join Our Laboratory!

We currently have research positions in the laboratory for a postdoctoral fellow and research technician. The current projects available may vary, but if you are interested in a specific research area we are happy to consider your preferences and suggestions! Please send your resume and a description of your research interests to Health Research Incorporated. 

 

Research Affiliate I (Post Doctoral) JR-0001413


Research Affiliate I (Post Doctoral) JR-0001413
Applications due 4/2/25
This Research Affiliate I position will offer a stimulating professional growth opportunity using innovative molecular biology and microbiology experiments to conduct studies of mycobacteria. The Research Affiliate I will work with the Principal Investigator (PI) to apply their PhD training to study the physiology of mycobacteria using a wide range of molecular biology, microbial genetics, transcriptomics and advanced microscopy.  This will entail working with the Principal Investigator (PI) to design and execute experiments to explore gene expression, horizontal DNA transfer and mycobacterial responses to cell-cell contact. Experiments may include mutagenesis, transcriptomics, structure-function studies of proteins, live-cell fluorescence microscopy and computational analysis of datasets, or the development of customized approaches as the needs of projects progress. The Research Affiliate will also provide support to other lab members and contribute to general lab activities. The Molecular Genetics team focuses on a novel form of horizontal DNA transfer in mycobacteria, and its role in mycobacterial evolution. In particular, they use the unique responses in donor and recipient cells to understand the mechanisms of how mycobacteria distinguish one another upon cell-cell contact and characterize the responses to that contact. Mentoring by the PI will facilitate growth of independence in experimental design and execution on professional development tailored to support the individual in achieving their chosen career goal. This work provides novel insights on mycobacterial cell-cell communication that have been missed in traditional monoculture approaches. [https://www.wadsworth.org/research/laboratories/derbyshire-gray]. The experimental models provide unique insights into how mycobacteria behave in communities and reach beyond the inherent limitations of conventional studies. We look forward to exploring these frontiers with you. Come and join a highly interactive scientific community focusing on molecular biology of bacteria https://www.wadsworth.org/research/laboratories.

This position will be part of a dynamic team serving the Wadsworth Center’s mission in the New York State Department of Health’s efforts to protect and promote the health of New York’s citizens. Come be a part of Science in the Pursuit of Health®!

 

 

For information on the expression of mycobacterial genes, please visit our Interactive genomics page. 

We thank the NIH and NSF for their research support.

Program Updates

AlphaFold image of predicted cell-surface kin-identifier protein

A $2.5 Million National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Grant Helps Elucidate Mycobacterial Cell-Cell Communication and the Evolution of Mycobacterial Pathogens

Before COVID most of us probably never thought about how the organisms that cause disease inherit their genetic material and how that impacts their ability to be “successful” pathogens.  Drs. Todd Gray and Keith Derbyshire at the Wadsworth Center have been thinking about this for a long time. 
American Association for the Advancement of Science Rosette. Photo credit AAAS. Used with permission.

Dr. Keith Derbyshire Named AAAS Fellow

Dr. Derbyshire joins the ranks of distinguished scientists recognized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) since 1874 - from Thomas Edison and Linus Pauling, to four of the 2018 Nobel Prize laureates. AAAS recognized Dr. Derbyshire “for distinguished contributions to the fields of molecular biology and microbial genetics, particularly in DNA exchange by transposition and conjugation in mycobacteria.”
Dr. Gray and Derbyshire Laboratories

New Study First to Describe Mycobacterial Cell - Cell Communication

For bacteria, sharing genetic information can be critical to survival. It can also make them fitter, better pathogens, and more able to evade the immune system and resist antibiotics. One way bacteria share their genetic information is by a process called conjugation, in which DNA is transferred from a donor to a recipient strain. Incorporation of the donor genetic information into the recipient chromosome can confer novel functions to the resulting transconjugant cells.
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