Лоусон Пол А

A major focus of my laboratory is the cultivation of key, unique microorganisms belonging to a range of environments that includes the human and animal gastrointestinal tracts, artesian Hot Springs, and biocorrosion biofilms to name some examples. My Ph.D centered mainly on the Gram-negative organisms of the human oral cavity under the tutelage of Haroun Shah at the London Hospital Medical College, UK. During this time, I met my future mentor, M. David Collins who later asked me to join his lab in Reading and so began my apprenticeship that lasted over 15yrs! It was both an honour and privilege working with Dave who became a close friend and together we explored a wide range of environments and ecosystems thus horning my skills in taxonomy. A major investigation concerned the human GI tract that contains a vast number of organisms and form part of a complex ecosystem important in both health and disease processes. Using a combination of classical and molecular methods that included inventories based on 16S rRNA, it was revealed that the majority of organisms have to-date, evaded cultivation and description. These phylogenetic “roadmaps” are now used to target organisms for cultivation. However, the challenge is now to investigate how individual species contribute to the formation of complex communities and ecosystems.

Systematics a fundamental discipline underpins the science of microbiology, provides a framework allowing for the classification, nomenclature and identification of strains in diverse ecosystems that includes clinical, veterinary and environmental sources. My expertise is in microbial systematics spanning a 30-yr period and I have been responsible or associated with, the naming or reclassification of over 140 bacteria that includes 2 families, 40 genera and almost 100 species. However, the focus of much of my work is with the gastrointestinal tract of both man and animals. My major academic achievements are in bacterial systematics especially with Clostridium and Lactabacilli. This includes a fundamental restructuring of the genus Clostridium and relatives, and the description of a plethora of novel taxa from environmental, clinical and veterinary sources. My record of success is demonstrated by my publication record (approx.160) that includes 16 chapters to the Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, widely regarded as the preeminent resource for microbial identification and taxonomy. Recently I contributed 3 chapters to a new book Biodiversity and Taxonomy of the Lactic Acid Bacteria another important group of organisms; I have also contributed the chapter on Carnobacteriaceae for“The Prokaryotes”. I also collaborate on a regular basis with many recognized leaders in gut microbiology (e.g. Sydney Finegold and Harry Flint). Furthermore, I have extensive links with those individuals that are recognized leaders in the characterization of chemotaxonomic traits (Jürgen Busse, Peter Schumann, Myron Sasser, and Brian Tindall). I am contacted on a regular basis for my opinions and assistance with taxonomic problems for organisms recovered from a wide range of sources. From 2010 I was the Associate Editor of the Bulletin for the newly formed Bergey’s International Society of Microbial Systematics and in July 2012 I was appointed as Editor-in-Chief. My most recent achievement is being recognised for my work and invited to become a member of the International Committee on Systematics of Prokaryotes Clostridium and Related Taxa Sub Committee and being appointed as to the Editorial Board as an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

Center for Microbial Identification and Taxonomy (CMIT).

Although for identification purposes, molecular methods are freely available to many laboratories, organisms cannot be described in the scientific literature purely on sequence information alone; a polyphasic taxonomic approach is required. In addition to identification based on molecular methods, the MIDI fatty acid identification system is already established within the CMIT. More classical methods will include chemotaxonomic approaches that encompass cell wall, polar lipid and respiratory menoquinones, these important diagnostic biomarkers aid in the assignment of isolates to the correct species and genus; however these methods are not readily available in many laboratories including the Unites States. The new “Center” draws on my experience (28yrs) and knowledge of organisms recovered from a wide range of sources and extensive national and international collaborations.

PUBLICATIONS Complete List of Published Work (>160) in MyBibliography:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/1NQVa6w5pnP5e/bibliography/47410134/public/?sort=date&direction=ascending