About Kylie J. Watts, PhD

Research Interests

My research investigates the role of signal transduction in the survival and pathogenesis of various Pseudomonas and Vibrio species with a particular focus on direct (Aer2) and indirect (Aer) oxygen sensors. In the past I have analyzed the structure and function of the Escherichia coli aerotaxis receptor, Aer, with a particular focus on signaling between the Aer PAS-FAD (signal input) and HAMP (signal transduction) domains. My current research focusses on Aer2 receptors and their associated signaling pathways with the goal of determining how Aer2 PAS-heme domains sense oxygen, send conformational signals, and direct bacterial responses. I also study the signaling mechanisms of Aer2 receptors that have dual, independent ligand-binding domains, including Aer/Aer2 hybrid receptors that combine indirect and direct oxygen sensing into one protein.