Gerd Prehna

Gerd Prehna is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on bacterial communication mechanisms, particularly protein secretion systems and inter-bacterial signaling in pathogens like Salmonella and Streptococcus. He employs advanced biochemical and biophysical techniques, including X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, to study virulence factors and secretion systems critical for bacterial pathogenesis. Prehna teaches courses in membrane biochemistry and advanced biochemistry.

His research interests include understanding how bacterial proteins mediate host interactions, inter-bacterial interactions, and the molecular mechanisms of secretion systems. Key areas of focus are Type VI secretion systems (T6SS), effector proteins, chaperone functions, and phage-derived proteins like paratox that regulate bacterial metabolism and virulence. Recent work explores the structural basis of effector protein interactions and their roles in Salmonella and Legionella pathogenesis.

Prehna's articles emphasize structural and functional characterization of secretion system components, chaperone-effector complexes, and phage-mediated regulatory pathways. His studies often bridge molecular mechanisms with broader implications for bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions.

He has no listed scientific awards but maintains an active research lab focused on structural microbiology and bacterial pathogenesis. Courses taught include MBIO 3460 (Membrane and Cellular Biochemistry) and CHEM/MBIO 2710 (Biochemistry 2: Catabolism, Synthesis, and Information Pathways).