Michael Malamy

Michael Malamy is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology at Tufts University. His research focuses on understanding virulence mechanisms and genetic regulation in the anaerobic pathogen Bacteroides fragilis. He has pioneered genetic tools for studying this bacterium, including transposon mutagenesis systems and shuttle plasmids enabling genetic manipulation.

Education:

• PhD in Biochemistry, New York University, 1963

Research Highlights:

• Discovered B. fragilis' oxygen tolerance via the oxe gene
• Characterized cytochrome bd oxidase and TCA cycle components
• Developed conjugation-based genetic tools for Bacteroides
• Studied transposon-mediated antibiotic resistance spread

Collaborations: Worked with Francis Tally on clindamycin resistance mechanisms. Distributed research tools to global Bacteroides research labs through shuttle plasmid sharing.

Labs/Teams: Lead lab investigating Bacteroides physiology and pathogenesis, with a focus on anaerobic bacterial adaptation mechanisms.