We develop activity-based probes to understand the metabolic activity catalyzed by the gut microbiome during different disease states.
We also characterize the small-molecule metabolites produced by the gut microbiota that regulate inflammation during inflammatory diseases and host defense during infection with enteric pathogens.
Building on these discoveries, we develop chemical tools to modulate the immune response using photo-immune modulators to understand the roles of specific immune cell types in vivo.
My research focuses on the pathogenesis of bacterial diseases and vaccine protection mechanisms. My lab is working on the interaction of host receptors and virulence factors of C. difficile (toxins), Leptospira spp, and F. nucleatum (adhesins). We are also working on the mucosa immunity against F. nucleatum and M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis using outer membrane vesicle delivery systems, with the goal of developing a vaccine against human colon cancer and Johne’s disease.
We study the molecular evolution and population genetics of the immune system in Drosophila and other insects, specifically focusing on comparative genomics and transcriptional regulation of the immune response. We also explore host genetic variation in microbiome composition and function in a large human twin study and in the mouse model.
The Crickard lab studies chromosome maintenance pathways with a focus on homologous recombination. We use genetic approaches in combination with single molecule imaging to dissect molecular mechanisms. An example of a student project is expressing and purifying proteins to understand the role of signaling kinases in recombination.
The Dhondt lab has studied the bacterial disease mycoplasmal conjunctivitis since it emerged in birds around 1994. We currently study effects of coinfection by combining studies of Mycoplasmal gallisepticum, haemosporidian parasites and other pathogens in the same individual. Students participate in both field work (trapping, handling, and sampling birds) and lab work, as well as study blood smears to detect the presence of haemosporidian parasites.
We study how bacteria respond to and survive stressful conditions, particularly damage to the cell envelope. Students in the Doerr lab learn techniques ranging from microscopy and image analysis to molecular biology. The lab is very active with undergraduate research and has extensive experience in designing impactful short-term research projects for developing scientists.
My research is focused on the eukaryotic cell DNA damage response (DDR) to a novel bacterial genotoxin called cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) within the context of intestinal disease of human and animals. I also have extensive experience in the development and assessment of laboratory animal models of disease and molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions.
I am a theoretical ecologist working on disease transmission in multi-species communities characterized by functional traits. Students and postdocs in my research group have worked on a variety of projects related to control of invasive species in heterogeneous landscapes.
The Feaga Lab uses structural, biochemical, and omics approaches to study bacterial ribosomes. Our research aims to identify new protein factors that interact with ribosomes and that keep protein synthesis running smoothly. Students will use transposon mutagenesis coupled to deep sequencing (Tn-Seq) to identify genes that are required for accurate protein synthesis. They will also use cutting-edge techniques like ribosome profiling and gain skills in genetics and molecular microbiology.
We focus our research efforts on discovery and molecular characterization of bacterial factors involved in bacterial-plant interactions, with particular interests in bacterial signaling systems and small non-coding RNAs. Another area of research is the development of new management strategies for bacterial pathogens. We use a variety of molecular biology, analytical and biochemical methods in our research.
