Associate Researcher CONICET / Adjunct Professor UNC
Phone: +54 351 5353855 x 3433
E-mail: mmonti@mail.fcq.unc.edu.ar
Research Topic
Interaction between DNA replication and repair processes in bacteria. Generation of peptides with antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Our research projects focus on understanding at the molecular level how DNA replication and repair processes are interrelated. This research was initially addressed using proteomics techniques through which a clear association between the mismatch repair MutS protein and different components of the replication machinery was observed. Currently, we are focused on analyzing the functional role of the MutS interaction with replicative factors using different approaches including biochemical assays, genetic-molecular tests and microscopic techniques.
Our laboratory uses as experimental model the opportunistic pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This organism is the causative agent of various infections in humans, and its eradication is difficult because of the development of resistance to most antibiotics. Thus, we are also focused on generating peptides that inhibit the activity of proteins involved in the chromosome replication as they constitute unexplored targets for antimicrobial therapy.
Selected publications
- Mariela R. Monti, Morero Natalia R., Miguel Virginia, And Carlos and Argaraña. (2013). “nfxB as a novel target for analysis of mutation spectra in Pseudomonas aeruginosa”. PloS ONE 8:e66236.
- Mariela R. Monti, Miguel Virginia, Borgogno María V., And Carlos and Argaraña. (2012). “Functional analysis of the interaction between the mismatch repair protein MutS and the replication processivity factor β clamp in Pseudomonas aeruginosa”. DNA Repair (Amst), 11:463-469.
- Morero Natalia R., Mariela R. Monti, And Carlos and Argaraña. (2011) “Effect of ciprofloxacin concentration on the frequency and nature of resistant mutants selected from Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutS and mutT hypermutators”. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 55:3668-3676.
- Tognetti Vanesa B., Mariela R. Monti, Valle Estela M., Nestor Carrillo, and Smania Andrea M. (2007) “Detoxification of 2,4-dinitrotoluene by transgenic tobacco plants expressing a bacterial flavodoxin”. Environmental Science and Technology, 41:4071-4076.
- Mariela R. Monti, Mania Andrea M., Fabro Georgina, Maria E. Alvarez, And Carlos and Argaraña. (2005) “Engineering Pseudomonas fluorescens for biodegradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene”. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 71:8864-8872.
(See more publications-CONICET)
Fellows
Current Grants
- Secyt-UNC
Brief CV
Academic Formation
- 1999-Bachelor in Chemistry. College of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba.
- 2005-PhD in Chemical Sciences. College of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba. ” Research Background “1999-2007. Environmental Microbiology. Bioremediation.
- 2008-present. DNA repair and replication in bacteria.
Teaching Background
- Assistant Professor. School of Chemical Sciencies, University of Córdoba, Argentina.