معرفی
Christopher J. Kristich is a Professor and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin's Department of Microbiology & Immunology. His laboratory operates from the Translational and Biomedical Research Center (TBRC C3930 and C3653), focusing on critical challenges in antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
His educational background includes a PhD from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Dr. Kristich's research program investigates antibiotic-resistant enterococci through multidisciplinary approaches combining genetics, biochemistry, genomics, molecular biology, and structural biology. Key focus areas include:
- The molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance to identify novel therapeutic targets
- Bacterial signal transduction pathways, particularly PASTA kinases and two-component systems
- Regulation of cell wall synthesis for vulnerability identification
- Dynamics of intestinal colonization in competitive gut environments
Analysis of his 2018-2023 publications reveals consistent emphasis on cephalosporin resistance mechanisms in Enterococcus faecalis, with recurring themes of PASTA kinase signaling, peptidoglycan biosynthesis regulation, and intestinal colonization dynamics. His work demonstrates how proteins like GpsB, CroR, and IreK form interconnected networks that drive resistance through cell wall modifications and stress responses.
Dr. Kristich mentors graduate students including Maya Blau (G3), Dilini Kumarasinghe, and Alexis Knotek, alongside research scientists and technologists in his laboratory. His team structure supports integrated investigation of bacterial pathogenesis from molecular mechanisms to host colonization.
The Kristich Laboratory operates within the Translational and Biomedical Research Center (TBRC C3653), utilizing advanced facilities for structural biology, genomics, and bacterial physiology studies to address antibiotic resistance challenges.
