丁香园AV

Areas of interest

We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning bacterial virulence. How do bacteria assemble and secrete virulence factors that allow them to colonise a host and cause disease? We apply x-ray crystallography, electron microscopy and genetic analysis to obtain atomic level structure/function information on molecules and molecular machines that impart virulence on bacterial pathogens. This information will guide the development of antimicrobial therapies aimed to disarm rather than kill bacteria in order to minimize antibiotic resistance.