معرفی
Jacob Malone is an Honorary Professor and Group Leader in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), jointly affiliated with the John Innes Centre (JIC), UK. He serves as a Synergy Lecturer in Plant and Microbial Science and leads a research group focused on bacterial signal transduction and plant-microbe interactions.
- MBiochem, St Catherine's College, Oxford University (1997–2001)
- DPhil, Department of Plant Sciences, Oxford University (2001–2005)
- Postdoctoral Researcher, Biozentrum, University of Basel (2005–2011)
Dr. Malone's research centers on molecular mechanisms of bacterial signal transduction, particularly the role of cyclic-di-GMP in regulating rhizosphere colonization by Pseudomonas fluorescens. His lab investigates how environmental signals influence bacterial behavior, including biofilm formation, motility, and plant colonization. Using genetics, molecular microbiology, and systems biology, the group studies both beneficial and pathogenic Pseudomonas species to develop sustainable agricultural solutions. Their work has implications for biocontrol, antibiotic tolerance, and microbial ecology.
Recent publications highlight trends in plasmid-mediated host manipulation, ribosomal modification, tropolone biosynthesis, and c-di-GMP signaling. These studies reveal novel regulatory mechanisms in bacterial adaptation, with applications in combating plant pathogens and persistent infections.
- CEPAMS Newton Fund: Sino-UK excellence with impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (BBSRC)
- Automated detection and treatment of bacterial blight in food crops (Innovate UK)
- Plasmid manipulation of bacterial gene networks (BBSRC)
- Identifying natural biocontrol products for PsaV (Zespri Kiwifruit)
- CRISPR-guided vector technology to disrupt biofilms (Innovate UK)
The Malone lab actively mentors postgraduate researchers and postdoctoral scientists, including Supakan Panturat, Catriona Thompson, and Harshanie Dasanayaka. Dr. Malone teaches the BIO-1A03 practical course and welcomes PhD and fellowship applicants. He leads a multidisciplinary team that includes Dr. Ainelen Piazza and Dr. Catriona Thompson, and collaborates widely across institutions and countries. The lab is part of the Molecular Microbiology department and contributes to initiatives such as Microbes in Norwich and PfBIO.
