Scott Champney, Ph.D.

• 1965 A.B., University of Rochester
• 1970 Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo

Research Projects

My research interests have focused on the structural and functional relationships of the different macromolecules in the bacterial ribosome. In particular we have examined the roles of the numerous ribosomal proteins in the complex process of translation. Genetic and biochemical methods have been used to help uncover mutational changes in temperature-sensitive mutants responsible for alterations in protein synthesis. This research has identified specific functional defects in translation associated with mutational changes in single ribosomal proteins. Genes from the mutant cells have been cloned and the sequence alterations defined for several strains. We are also studying the inhibitory effects of antibiotics on bacterial ribosome biosynthesis. Subunit formation in cells is specifically prevented by many different antibiotics and this activity is equivalent to translation as a target for drug inhibition of growth in bacterial cells. This is a new target for antimicrobial agents. This work will help in the development of novel antimicrobial compounds which will specifically attack this new target and which may be more effective than current antibiotics against bacterial infections. We are examining a number of different antimicrobial agents for effects on translation and ribosome biogenesis. We are also currently investigating the mechanism of subunit assembly inhibition by antibiotics.

Selected References

Champney WS.   Three methods to assay inhibitors of ribosomal subunit assembly. Methods Mol Med. 2008;142:63-73. PMID: 18437306 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Pokkunuri I, Champney WS. Characteristics of a 50S ribosomal subunit precursor particle as a substrate for ermE methyltransferase activity and erythromycin binding in Staphylococcus aureus. RNA Biol. 2007 Nov;4(3):147-53. Epub 2007 Nov 25. PMID: 18094627 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Foster C, Champney WS.   Characterization of a 30S ribosomal subunit assembly Arch Microbiol. 2008 May;189(5):441-9. Epub 2007 Dec 5. PMID: 18060665 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Champney WS, Rodgers WK. Related Articles, Links Retapamulin inhibition of translation and 50S ribosomal subunit formation in Staphylococcus aureus cells. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2007 Sep;51(9):3385-7. Epub 2007 Jun 11. PMID: 17562806 [PubMed - in process] Champney WS. The other target for ribosomal antibiotics: inhibition of bacterial ribosomal subunit formation. Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2006 Dec;6(4):377-90. Review. PMID: 17168803 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] McGaha SM, Champney WS. Related Articles, Links Hygromycin B inhibition of protein synthesis and ribosome biogenesis in Escherichia coli. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2007 Feb;51(2):591-6. Epub 2006 Oct 16. PMID: 17043113 [PubMed - in process] Mabe S, Champney WS. A comparison of a new oral streptogramin XRP 2868 with quinupristin-dalfopristin against antibiotic-resistant strains of haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Curr Microbiol. 2005 Dec;51(6):363-6. Epub 2005 Oct 25. PMID: 16252133 [PubMed - in process] Silvers JA, Champney WS. Related Articles, Links Accumulation and turnover of 23S ribosomal RNA in azithromycin-inhibited ribonuclease mutant strains of Escherichia coli. Arch Microbiol. 2005 Oct;184(1):66-77. Epub 2005 Nov 3. PMID: 16096836 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Mabe S, Eller J, Champney WS. Related Articles, Links Structure-activity relationships for three macrolide antibiotics in Haemophilus influenzae. Curr Microbiol. 2004 Oct;49(4):248-54. PMID: 15386112 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Champney WS, Mentens N, Zurawick K. Related Articles, Links An examination of the differential sensitivity to ketolide antibiotics in ermB strains of Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Curr Microbiol. 2004 Oct;49(4):239-47. PMID: 15386111 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Mehta R, Champney WS. Related Articles, Links Neomycin and paromomycin inhibit 30S ribosomal subunit assembly in Staphylococcus aureus. Curr Microbiol. 2003 Sep;47(3):237-43. PMID: 14570276 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]