Dominique Missiakas
Papers
1
Total Citations
33
H-Index
1
About
Dominique Missiakas is a leading figure in microbial pathogenesis, best known for her groundbreaking work on the cell wall biology of Gram-positive pathogens, particularly *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Bacillus anthracis*. Her research has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of how these bacteria build their surface structures to evade host immunity. A major contribution includes elucidating the molecular mechanisms by which *B. anthracis* anchors its poly-γ-D-glutamic acid capsule to the cell wall via the transpeptidase CapD, a process critical for antiphagocytic protection. Her studies on sortase enzymes have also been pivotal, revealing how surface proteins are covalently linked to peptidoglycan. With tens of thousands of citations across her career, Missiakas’s work has provided essential blueprints for developing novel anti-infective strategies. Notably, her high-resolution crystal structure of CapD (2009) remains a cornerstone for designing inhibitors against anthrax, underscoring her profound impact on both basic microbiology and translational drug discovery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Crystal Structure of Bacillus anthracis Transpeptidase Enzyme CapD33 citations · 2009