Emily Stinemetz

I received a B.A. in Zoology and French from Ohio Wesleyan University. The focus of my current work is on understanding the regulation of surface proteins of the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis, many of which have been associated with enterococcal pathogenesis. In particular, we are interested in post translational modifications to surface proteins caused by a secreted metalloprotease, GelE. Through published and ongoing work, our lab has demonstrated that GelE cleavage is important in regulating the activity of a sub-class of surface proteins, impacting cell adhesion, division and biofilm formation. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of surface protein regulation, we are better able to devise strategies to prevent E. faecalis infection.