Research Interests:

Molecular microbiology and ecology

Research efforts in my laboratory are directed toward the identification and examination of bacterial genes involved in the early periods of legume-microbe symbioses. We specifically are interested in studying Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium genes that play a prominent role in host/microbe recognition and in the establishment of symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing nodules specific B. japonicum strains. In addition, my laboratory (in collaboration with Dr. Larry Wackett) is using recombinant DNA methodologies to construct novel biodegradation pathways that will allow recombinant bacteria to aerobically degrade recalcitrant, halogenated, environmental pollutants. We also are actively involved in defining bacterial biodegradation pathways for the herbicide atrazine and using isolated proteins and constructed bacteria to bioremediate atrazine-contaminated soils and water.

Selected Recent Publications:

• Ishii S, Yan T, Shively DA, Byappanahalli MN, Whitman RL, Sadowsky MJ. 2006. Cladophora (Chlorophyta) spp. harbor human bacterial pathogens in nearshore water of Lake Michigan. Appl Environ Microbiol. 72(7):4545-53.

• Hamilton MJ, Yan T, Sadowsky MJ. 2006. Development of goose- and duck-specific DNA markers to determine sources of Escherichia coli in waterways. Appl Environ Microbiol. 72(6):4012-9.

• Regitano JB, Koskinen WC, Sadowsky MJ. 2006. Influence of soil aging on sorption and bioavailability of simazine. J Agric Food Chem. 54(4):1373-9.

• Ishii S, Ksoll WB, Hicks RE, Sadowsky MJ. 2006. Presence and growth of naturalized Escherichia coli in temperate soils from Lake Superior watersheds. Appl Environ Microbiol. 72(1):612-21.

• Accinelli C, Koskinen WC, Sadowsky MJ. 2006. Influence of Cry1Ac toxin on mineralization and bioavailability of glyphosate in soil. J Agric Food Chem. 54(1):164-9.

• Barriuso E, Koskinen WC, Sadowsky MJ. 2004. Solvent extraction characterization of bioavailability of atrazine residues in soils. J Agric Food Chem. 52(21):6552-6.  

Last updated: October 24, 2006