Christine A Franke

Title: Christine A Franke: Innovator in Bacterial Resistance and Protease Function

Introduction

Christine A Franke is a notable inventor based in Albany, Oregon. She has made significant contributions to the field of microbiology, particularly in the development of bacterial strains and protease assays. With a total of two patents to her name, her work focuses on innovative solutions to combat bacterial infections.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is titled "Streptococcus gordonii strains resistant to fluorodeoxyuridine." This invention features gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (FUdR). The bacteria are designed to be commensal and not resistant to antibiotics. Additionally, these bacteria can be transformed with DNA encoding an antigenic protein, which may be used to formulate a vaccine to stimulate an immune response in patients. Another significant patent is "DegP periplasmic protease a new anti-infective target and an in vitro assay for DegP protease function." This invention provides an assay for inhibitors of DegP activity, which is essential for the removal of misfolded proteins in the periplasm. The findings from this patent allow for the identification of DegP recognition and cleavage sites in substrate proteins, paving the way for the design of small molecule inhibitors.

Career Highlights

Throughout her career, Christine has worked with various companies, including Siga Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Her research has focused on developing innovative methods to address bacterial virulence and resistance, contributing to advancements in the field of infectious diseases.

Collaborations

Christine has collaborated with notable individuals in her field, including Dennis E Hruby and Hal C Jones. These collaborations have further enhanced her research and development efforts.

Conclusion

Christine A Franke is a pioneering inventor whose work in bacterial resistance and protease function has the potential to significantly impact the field of microbiology. Her innovative patents and collaborations highlight her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and developing effective solutions for bacterial infections.