Unit
GENETIC MOBILITY AND MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
Description
In the Genetic Mobility and Microbial Pathogenesis Unit, we use structural biology techniques (crystallography and electron microscopy) combined with biochemical protein characterization and microbiology, to understand key processes in microbial pathogenesis.
Our main research line focuses on the molecular study of key mechanisms in the life cycle of mobile genetic elements, such as bacteriophages and satellite phages, due to their importance in microbial pathogenesis and evolution. These elements “carry” virulence, immunity and resistance genes that, when mobilized within and between species, are responsible for the emergence of virulent and/or antimicrobial-resistant strains. To this end, we characterize proteins complexes involved in the activation and mobilization of these elements and study their impact on microbial populations.
The ultimate goal of our group is to better understand the genetic transfer processes involved in pathogenesis as a first step toward combating supervirulent and resistant microbial strains.
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