Research
Our lab uses innovative strategies to study the fundamental biological processes of two genetically tractable, highly divergent intracellular pathogens, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. These studies will expand our understanding of the basic biology of host-pathogen interactions.
Cell cycle dynamics during host invasion
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Upon entry into host cells, bacterial pathogens go through several steps prior to replicating their DNA. Several regulators of cell cycle have been studied in model organisms, however, their contribution to pathogenesis is not well understood. We are actively investigating these processes using cell culture models of infection.
Identifying novel regulators of DNA replication during pathogenesis
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We are using a combination of transposon mutagenesis and mass spectrometry based proteomic screens to identify novel factors involved in regulating DNA replication, specifically during host-invasion. Our goal is to find and characterize novel drug targets for the development of new antibiotics.
Determining the effect of host factors on cell cycle regulation
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Intracellular pathogens modulate host proteins during pathogenesis. We are investigating how these host-microbe interactions contribute to cell cycle regulation of intracellular pathogens.
