Plasmids are extrachromosomal DNA elements that are an important genetic component in many bacteria. Plasmids promote the spread of genes between bacterial cells leading to remarkable diversity and adaptability. In hospital environments, plasmids have played a central role in the evolution of antibiotic resistant “superbugs” such as multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

I am interested in the molecular biology of plasmid replication and maintenance systems. These genetic systems define the ability of plasmids to establish and persist in new bacterial hosts. The multiresistance staphylococcal plasmids pSK41 and pSK1 serve as prototypes in our laboratory for the study of replication. Areas that are actively being studied include:

• Molecular characterisation of antisense RNA-mediated replication control systems
• Molecular interactions between replication initiation proteins and origins of replication
• Identification of host-factors required for efficient plasmid replication
• Novel strategies for the elimination of plasmids