Prof. Dr. Gabriele Bierbaum
©UKB
g.bierbaum (at) uni-bonn.de
+49 (0)228 287 - 19103
The focus of the Bierbaum laboratory integrates several aspects of antibiotic research, i. e. resistance mechanisms, the effects of antibiotic stress on bacteria, new antibiotic biosynthesis gene clusters and dissemination of resistant bacteria.
The resistance of Staphylococcus aureus against vancomycin and daptomycin is caused by mutations that result in an altered architecture. Therefore the cell wall of a highly resistant strain is being analysed. In addition, resistant strains often harbour mutations in the only essential two-component system of S. aureus, WalRK. We have reconstituted this system in vitro and, in cooperation with TR261, try to investigate the lethal sequence of events that is caused by inhibition of this system in vivo. Additional projects characterize biosynthesis and mode of action of new antibiotics from different producers (e. g. pseudomycoicidin). Another focus of our work is the typing of relevant multi-resistant bacteria of the ESKAPE group. Within HyReKA consortium we investigate the main sources and the dissemination of these multiresistant bacteria into the environment. In addition, we are establishing a system to measure the influence of antibiotic stress on the survival and fitness of resistant and susceptible Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore we are partners of For2685. Here, in cooperation with paleontologists of the University of Bonn, we analyse the influence of the microbiome in fossilisation and decay studies.
©AG Bierbaum
Team Members:
Alina Dietrich, Doktorandin, Tel.: +49 (0)228 287 16821
Mike Gajdiss, Doktorand, Tel.: +49 (0)228 287 16807
Michael Hort, Doktorand, Tel.: +49 (0)228 287 16807
Kathrin Janssen, Doktorandin, Tel.: +49 (0)228 287 16821
Katja Kehl, Doktorandin, Tel.: +49 (0)228 287 14435
Dominik Schuster, Doktorand, Tel.: +49 (0)228 287 14435
Sarina Strangfeld, Master Studentin, Tel.: +49 (0)228 287 16821
Anna Schallenberg, Technische Assistentin, Tel.: +49 (0)228 287 16307
Christiane Szekat, Technische Assistentin, Tel.:+49 (0)228 287 14807
