Microbial Pathogenesis and Genome
Laboratory for genome dynamics and microbial pathogenesis is engaged in unraveling microbial and human pathogenesis in the context of horizontal gene transfer, genome instability and DNA repair mechanisms, and their consequences for brain aging, neurodegeneration and meningitis.
Illustration: J. Bacteriol. 2003
About the group
The stability of microbial genomes and gene pools is constantly challenged by horizontal gene transfer and recombination, as well as DNA damage. Mechanisms for rapid genome variation, adaptation and maintenance are a necessity to ensure microbial fitness and survival in rapidly changing environments.
Understanding microbial pathogenesis, horizontal gene transfer and DNA repair mechanisms requires an interdisciplinary approach of molecular biology, genomics and bacterial physiology. Studies on transformation and components providing genome maintenance in bacterial pathogens and genetic model bacteria are most important for understanding the balance between cellular fitness for survival and disease development.
In particular, we are focusing on the identification of DNA binding components contributing to the neisserial transformation system, which we suggest is coupled to pilus retraction. Genome instability as the basis of antigenic variation/immune escape, drug resistance development and evolution in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB, is another prime topic addressed. We are also elucidating the effect of defects in DNA repair on fitness and pathogenesis in animal models and humans.
At present the pathogenesis and genome dynamics group addresses these challenges in a multidisciplinary approach in molecular and cellular biology and medicine and has strong international networks.