Kylie J. Watts

Kylie J. Watts, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Basic Sciences Division of Microbiology at the School of Medicine, Loma Linda University. Her research focuses on bacterial signal transduction mechanisms, particularly the role of Aer and Aer2 oxygen sensors in pathogens like Pseudomonas and Vibrio species. She investigates how these receptors detect oxygen and regulate bacterial behavior through structural and functional studies.

Research Interests: Her work centers on understanding oxygen sensing via PAS-heme domains, chemotaxis signaling pathways, and protein domain interactions in Aer2 receptors. Key topics include bacterial survival strategies, pathogenesis mechanisms, and the structural basis of signal transduction.

Grants & Projects: She has led NIH-funded projects such as the Sensing, Signaling and the Role of Aer-2-Regulated Chemosensory Systems (2016-2022) and contributed to the LLU-NIH Initiative for Maximizing Student Development. Her research also explores dual oxygen sensing mechanisms in hybrid receptors.

Key Contributions: Her lab has characterized Aer2’s tri-PAS-heme architecture, HAMP domain signaling roles, and oxygen-induced conformational changes. Recent work advances understanding of how pathogens adapt to environmental stimuli through molecular signaling networks.