Education
Ph.D. Cell Biology UCSF, 2001
B.S. Biology MIT, 1996
Research
We are broadly interested in organelle formation in bacteria. We use the magnetosome organelles of magnetotactic bacteria as a model to understand the molecular mechanisms of compartmentalization and biomineral production. We are also beginning to explore the ferrosomes in some bacteria, and likely archaea, as a new model organelle.
Assembly and Subcellular Organization of Bacterial Organelles
Despite their apparent simplicity, bacterial cells are defined by a high degree of subcellular complexity and organization. One of the more dramatic examples of subcellular differentiation is the formation of protein- and lipid-bounded organelles by a variety of bacterial species. One such organelle, the magnetosome, is lipid-bounded and houses the machinery to build nano-sized magnetite crystals. We use magnetosomes as a model to understand the molecular mechanisms of compartmentalization and biomineral production. We are also beginning to explore the ferrosomes in some bacteria, and likely archaea, as a new model organelle.
My lab uses a combination of cell biological, genetic and biochemical approaches to define the physical characteristics of the magnetosome and identify key genes involved in controlling its production and function. Our earlier work showed that the magnetosome membrane is an independent organelle that pre-exists the formation of magnetite and that magnetite synthesis proceeds simultaneously from multiple adjacent magnetosomes. Recently, the work of several groups including ours has led to the identification of a large genomic region with many genes encoding proteins that are localized to the magnetosome and are essential for magnetite formation. The challenge now is to understand the specific functions of these genes and how their products interact to form a magnetosome.
More information at: http://www.komeililab.org
Follow us on twitter: @micromagnets and @MagnetoBerkeley
Recent Publications
Honors and Awards
Rausser College of Natural Resources Distinguished Teaching Award - 2020
Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology - 2019
Bakar Fellow - 2019
Miller Institute Faculty - 2015
Kavli Fellow - 2014
Winkler Family Fund - 2008
Hellman Family Fund - 2008
Fellowship in Science and Engineering - Packard Foundation - 2007
Junior Faculty Fellowship - Hellman Family Foundation - 2007
