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Richard
W. Seyler, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
2265 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060
Tele: 540-231-4000
Fax: 540-231-5252
Lab: 540-231-2774, 540-231-2620
Email: rseyler@vcom.vt.edu
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Discipline: |
Microbiology |
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Administrative
Duties: |
Assessment Committee |
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Education: |
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| 1997 |
Emory
University |
Ph.D. |
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Currently Teaching: |
Biochemistry |
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Microbiology |
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Current
Research
Interests: |
Helicobacter pylori is a human pathogen whose only
known natural niche is the human gastric mucosa. Colonization of
this organism causes a chronic gastritis and increased production
of reactive oxygen products. This bacterium is a leading cause of
peptic ulceration, and has been linked strongly with a variety of
adenocarcinomas. Approximately one fourth of the U.S. population
harbors this pathogen, and it is nearly ubiquitous in many third
world communities. H. pylori is a microaerophile and thus requires
oxygen concentrations that are below 21% partial pressure (normal
atmospheric concentration). These organisms are unable to grow in
anaerobic environments because they lack fermentative and anaerobic
respiratory metabolisms. But the reasons that these microaerophiles
are unable to grow under normal atmospheric oxygen concentrations
are less clear. We are using genetic and biochemical approaches to
understand why this organism grows only under restricted oxygen conditions.
We are investigating the regulation of genes that are involved in
oxidative stress resistance and taxis, and how they are associated
with virulence of the organism. |
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Current
Academic
and
Clinical Service: |
Research Faculty Member, Biology Department, Virginia
Tech
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Professional
and
Community Activities: |
Member,
American Society for Microbiology |
