Kelly Brayton
Dr. Brayton has earned international recognition for her completion of the Anaplasma marginale Genome Sequencing Project.
Anaplasma marginale is the most prevalent tick-borne pathogen of cattle worldwide and has the highest impact in tropical and subtropical countries. Dr. Brayton's recent completion of the genome sequence of A. marginale, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, has led to several new research opportunities.
The genome sequence helped to clarify the gene conversion mechanism (how DNA sequence information is transferred from one part of the DNA helix to alter another part) of two surface proteins of A. marginale. Dr. Brayton continues to study these genes’ role in enabling A. marginale to evade the immune response and persist throughout the life of the vertebrate host.
The genome sequence also allowed Dr. Brayton to identify novel genes that are important mediators of infection and persistence. She is utilizing that knowledge as she works to discover genes involved in tick transmission of A. marginale.
Currently there are no safe and effective vaccines available to protect against A. marginale. Dr. Brayton's work has provided useful background for colleagues developing vaccines.
Dr. Brayton is an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology and in the School for Global Animal Health.