We are looking into several aspects of the biology of Mycobacterium and the genetics of mycobacteriophages. We are carrying out proteomics analysis of M. smegmatis when subjected to various growth conditions. Our aim is to identify transcription factors that are responsible for the gene expression under such growth conditons. We are also working towards characterizing the mycobacteriophage transcription system. We are trying to identify the phage promoters and the factors that are required for the transcription from these promoters. We are also carrying out the biophysical characterization of the T4 phage proteins involved in late gene transcription. In a separate set of studies, we have isolated several bacteria from the soil that show high metal tolerance. We are presently characterizing these bacteria and studying the factors responsible for metal tolerance.
