We use a combined molecular biology and cell biology approach to gain insight into the processes by which pathogenic E. coli cause disease. The goal is to identify and characterize bacterial genes that are involved in interactions with host cells and to identify cellular mechanisms triggered by interactions with bacteria. Our initial approach, to identify clone and mutate bacterial genes involved in pathogenesis has led to the characterization of large gene clusters and pathogenicity islands required for adherence, host cell damage, and avoidance of host immune responses. We are currently involved in delineating the functions and cellular targets of the protein products of these genes. It is anticipated that these studies will impact not only our understanding and approach to infectious diseases, but also our appreciation for normal and abnormal cellular physiology.
Further information is available on our laboratory web site.
A Large Toxin from Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strains that Inhibits Lymphocyte Activation. Expression of the EspB Protein of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli within HeLa Cells Affects Stress Fibers and Cellular Morphology. The EspB Protein of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli is Targeted to the Cytoplasm of Infected HeLa Cells.