Our research broadly focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms that govern microbial pathogenesis. While protein crystallography remains a central tool, we complement our structural work with a multitude of functional assays and in vivo studies. We are particularly interested in understanding the regulatory mechanisms that control the expression of the type III secretion system and biofilm formation of the nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here the finely-tuned coordination of complex regulatory networks is critical for determining establishing chronic and acute P.aeruginosa infections. We seek to understand the mechanistic basis for these signaling processes to identify promising targets for the development of novel therapeutic options.
In addition to our work in P.aeruginosa we contribute to a number of collaborative projects through our expertise in the structure function analysis of individual proteins and protein complexes.