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Patricia ChampionView profile

Professor

• Molecular Genetics
• Mycobacterial Pathogenesis
• Bacterial Genetics
• +7 more

Patricia Champion is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where she holds the title of Notre Dame Collegiate Professor. Her research is centered on the molecular mechanisms of mycobacterial pathogenesis, with a focus on protein transport and virulence. She is affiliated with the Eck Institute for Global Health and the Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases. PhD in Molecular Biology, Princeton University (2003) B.S. in Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University (1998) Her research interests lie in understanding how pathogenic mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. marinum , cause disease through targeted protein secretion, particularly via the Type VII (ESX-1) secretion system. She investigates how secreted proteins function as effectors and regulate gene expression, and how post-translational modifications like acetylation influence virulence. Her lab employs an interdisciplinary approach combining genetics, molecular biology, proteomics, and transcriptomics. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on ESX-1-mediated secretion, identification of novel substrates, regulatory mechanisms (e.g., WhiB6, EspM), and post-translational modifications. The work spans fundamental bacterial physiology to host-pathogen interactions, contributing to the broader goal of identifying targets for anti-virulence therapeutics against tuberculosis. Her scientific recognition includes being named a Notre Dame Collegiate Professor, a distinguished honor reflecting her scholarly excellence. Dr. Champion leads an active research laboratory committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, emphasizing core values such as integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Her lab's work is supported by ongoing research grants, though specific funding sources are not detailed in the text. The Champion Lab operates within the Department of Biological Sciences and collaborates with key institutes at Notre Dame focused on global and neglected diseases.

Mohamed FakhrView profile

Professor

• Molecular microbiology
• Foodborne bacterial pathogens
• Antimicrobial resistance
• +7 more

Mohamed K. Fakhr, Ph.D., is a full-time Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Tulsa, affiliated with the Oxley College of Health Sciences. His research focuses on molecular microbiology of foodborne pathogens, particularly Campylobacter and Staphylococcus aureus, examining antibiotic resistance mechanisms, plasmid characterization, and survival under extreme conditions. Ph.D., Oklahoma State University M.Sc., Zagazig University, Benha Branch B.Sc., Zagazig University, Benha Branch Research interests include: Molecular microbiology of foodborne pathogens Antimicrobial and heavy metal resistance Plasmid-mediated survival mechanisms Genomics and transcriptomics approaches Diversity of extremophilic actinomycetes Antimicrobial and antitumor metabolites His 2025 Google Scholar publications highlight advancements in Campylobacter aerotolerance, plasmid genomics, and extremophile metabolite discovery. Notable trends span food safety, bacterial stress response, and molecular typing methodologies. Scientific awards include: 2025 UTulsa Outstanding Teacher Award 2025 UTulsa Oxley College Teaching Excellence Award Dr. Fakhr's lab investigates polymicrobial interactions in retail meats, utilizes next-generation sequencing for plasmid analysis, and explores actinomycetes in extreme environments. His work bridges molecular biology and public health through pathogen characterization and teaching excellence.

• Mucosal Immunology
• Intestinal Immunology
• Barrier Immunology
• +4 more

William Winston Agace is a Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. He leads the Barrier Immunology Group and is affiliated with the Skin Immunology Research Center. His research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating immune responses at barrier surfaces, primarily the intestine. His primary research areas include: Mucosal Immunology Intestinal Immunology Barrier Immunology Inflammatory Bowel Disease Dendritic Cells Fibroblasts Gut-Skin Axis Professor Agace leads several major research initiatives including the Center for Intestinal Immune Regulation (CIIR), which investigates how intestinal fibroblasts regulate intestinal immune function in health and disease. He is also part of the Gut Cell Atlas Consortium, generating a single cell transcriptional and proteomics atlas of immune niches in the human gut. Additionally, he investigates immune crosstalk along the Gut-Skin axis, exploring connections between intestinal and skin inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. His scientific work has resulted in numerous publications in high-impact immunology journals, with research spanning from fundamental mechanisms of mucosal immunity to potential therapeutic applications for inflammatory diseases. Professor Agace collaborates with researchers across institutions including Hvidovre Hospital, Technical University of Denmark, University of Calgary, and Stanford University.

Fredric CarlssonView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Inflammation Biology
• +4 more

Fredric Carlsson is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at Lund University's Department of Biology. He holds roles as Deputy Head of Department and affiliated researcher at Infect@LU. His research focuses on microbial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and inflammation mechanisms using Streptococci and Mycobacteria as study systems. He teaches courses in Microbiology, Immunology, and Antibiotics, coordinating the Molecular Biology - Microbiology master's program. Research emphasizes understanding how pathogens manipulate host immunity, particularly investigating genotype interactions influencing disease outcomes. Key projects include studying STING signaling, ESX-1 systems in Mycobacteria, and interindividual variability in infections. His work contributes to UN SDGs related to health and well-being. Current group members include Katie Laschanzky and Jaume Salgado Bolarin (PhD students). Notable publications explore macrophage responses to Mycobacterium marinum and re-evaluations of germ theory principles. Projects are funded by the Swedish Research Council and Gunvor och Josef Anérs stiftelse.

Konstantin V KorotkovView profile

Associate Professor

• Structural Biology
• Biochemistry
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• +7 more

Konstantin V Korotkov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky, College of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of bacterial protein secretion systems, particularly the ESX (Type VII) systems in pathogenic bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Staphylococcus aureus , and Bacillus anthracis . His research interests lie at the intersection of structural biology, biochemistry, and microbial pathogenesis. Using X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and biochemical assays, Dr. Korotkov aims to elucidate the architecture and function of the ESX secretion machinery. This knowledge is expected to guide the development of novel antibacterial therapies, especially for tuberculosis. His lab investigates key enzymes and protein complexes involved in bacterial metabolism and virulence, with a strong emphasis on identifying druggable targets. The recent publications (all from 2019) highlight a consistent focus on structural characterization of bacterial enzymes and secretion system components. These works span topics such as methionine biosynthesis, NAD metabolism, cell wall modifications, and chaperone-mediated protein transport. Collectively, they reflect expertise in structural enzymology and a strategic approach to targeting essential pathways in pathogenic bacteria. Dr. Korotkov has published in high-impact journals including Nature Chemical Biology , ACS Chemical Biology , Scientific Reports , and Journal of Molecular Biology . While specific awards are not listed, his publication record indicates significant contributions to the field of bacterial pathogenesis and structural microbiology. He mentors research in a laboratory setting focused on structural and biochemical analysis of bacterial systems. Although specific students are not named, his research program supports graduate and potentially undergraduate research opportunities. Collaborative work is evident from co-authorship with researchers across disciplines, including microbiology, chemical biology, and glycobiology. His lab utilizes shared resources such as protein production facilities and advanced microscopy. Dr. Korotkov is affiliated with structural and biochemical research facilities at the University of Kentucky, including access to X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy infrastructure. His work is supported by structural biology and infectious disease research networks, and he contributes to the academic mission through research, publication, and training in molecular biochemistry.

• Microbiology
• Infectious Disease Research
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +3 more

Dr. Tom Mendum is a Researcher at the School of Biosciences, University of Surrey. His work focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, particularly Mycobacterium species including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis . He specializes in understanding metabolic pathways, host-pathogen interactions, and vaccine development strategies. His research integrates genomic, metabolic, and immunological approaches to address challenges in infectious disease control. Key research areas include: Metabolic flexibility of pathogens within host cells Genetic determinants of BCG vaccine efficacy Environmental survival mechanisms of mycobacteria Historical epidemiology of leprosy via ancient pathogen genomics Publications highlight contributions to TB drug discovery, virulence factor identification, and systems biology modeling of pathogen metabolism. His work bridges fundamental research with translational applications in diagnostics and vaccination strategies.

Terry K SmithView profile

Professor

• Biosynthesis of phospholipids in protozoan parasites
• Enzymology of biosynthetic enzymes in parasites
• Lipidomics and metabolomics of pathogens
• +3 more

Prof Terry K Smith is a Professor and Director of the Biomedical Sciences Research Complex at the University of St Andrews. His primary research focuses on lipid biosynthesis in protozoan parasites such as Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania. He leads a multidisciplinary team investigating GPI anchor biosynthesis, enzymatic pathways, and drug discovery for neglected tropical diseases. His work combines lipidomics, molecular parasitology, and chemical synthesis to identify therapeutic targets. Prof Smith holds editorial roles in multiple journals, including Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology and IUBMB Life. He has secured grants from Wellcome Trust, BBSRC, and MRC, totaling over £13 million. His labs are equipped with advanced instrumentation, including a 4000 Q-trap mass spectrometer. Key achievements include the discovery of antiparasitic compounds targeting lipid metabolism and contributions to understanding SARS-CoV-2 inactivation mechanisms. He was awarded a CBE in 2024 for services to science.

Laleh MajlessiView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunology
• Host-pathogen interactions
• Innate immunity
• +8 more

Laleh Majlessi is an Associate Professor at the Institut Pasteur, where her research focuses on the immunological interactions between mycobacteria—particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis —and the host immune system. Her work bridges fundamental immunology and translational vaccinology, with a focus on developing novel vaccine strategies against tuberculosis and emerging infectious diseases. Her research interests include: Innate and adaptive immunity to mycobacterial infections Immunogenicity of type VII secretion system substrates Development of lentiviral vector-based vaccines Mucosal immunity and intranasal vaccination Immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and HPV-induced cancers Her recent publications highlight a strong trend toward innovative vaccine platforms, particularly using lentiviral vectors to induce robust and targeted T-cell immunity against infectious agents and cancers. These studies often involve preclinical models and emphasize mucosal delivery and immune memory. Scientific awards she has received include: Jean-Marie Dubert Prize for best PhD in immunology (1994) Georges, Jacques and Elias Canetti Prize (2016) Dr. Majlessi has been actively involved in advising and collaborative research, particularly in the development of vaccine candidates. While specific grant details are not mentioned, her extensive publication record in high-impact journals suggests sustained funding and leadership in immunology and vaccinology. She collaborates with prominent scientists such as Pierre Charneau and Hélène Strick-Marchand. She is associated with research teams focused on: Modeling SARS-CoV-2 infection in humanized mouse models Integrated mycobacterial pathogenomics Development of lentiviral immunotherapies

Oren RosenbergView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Microbiology
• Structural Biology
• +7 more

Oren Rosenberg, MD, PhD, is an Associate Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. He is a physician-scientist whose laboratory focuses on uncovering molecular vulnerabilities in pathogenic bacteria to develop improved therapeutics for life-threatening infections. His research spans infectious diseases, structural biology, host-pathogen interactions, and molecular imaging. Using advanced techniques such as cryo-EM, CRISPR screening, and PET radiotracer development, his lab investigates pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2. His work has led to significant insights into bacterial secretion systems, host immune responses, and the design of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. Dr. Rosenberg’s recent publications reveal a strong trend in leveraging structural biology and systems-level approaches to understand pathogen mechanisms and engineer solutions. His team develops innovative imaging tools, such as fluorine-18-labeled sensors for in vivo bacterial detection, and explores host factors critical for viral infection. His research bridges basic science and translational medicine, aiming to accelerate antibiotic development and improve infection diagnostics. He has received no explicitly listed scientific awards in the provided text. Dr. Rosenberg advises PhD and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not provided. His lab has secured research grants supporting work in bacterial imaging, CRISPR-based pathogen interrogation, and therapeutic design, as evidenced by publications in top-tier journals. He collaborates extensively with leading scientists across UCSF and beyond. His laboratory, the Rosenberg Lab, is a hub for interdisciplinary research integrating microbiology, biochemistry, imaging, and computational biology to combat infectious diseases.

• Structural Biology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• +2 more

Christina Ritter is a Postdoctoral Researcher (holding the academic rank of Research Fellow) at the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Denmark. She is an active member of the Kummer Group, where she conducts research at the intersection of structural biology and microbiology, focusing on molecular mechanisms in bacterial secretion systems and mitochondrial ribosome assembly. Her primary research areas include Structural Biology, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology. Within these, she specializes in the Type VII secretion systems of mycobacteria and the RNA maturation processes of the mitoribosome. Her work leverages advanced structural techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy to resolve high-resolution structures of macromolecular complexes, contributing to the understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and mitochondrial function. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend in structural microbiology, particularly in elucidating the architecture and function of bacterial secretion machinery and mitochondrial ribosomal components. Her 2023 Nature Communications paper on GTPBP10 and the 2021 Science Advances article on the ESX-5 pore complex demonstrate her expertise in integrating structural data with functional insights, which has been recognized through citations and media attention. No scientific awards or honors were specified in the available information. Similarly, there is no mention of graduate student advising or research grant acquisitions. Dr. Ritter is embedded within the Kummer Group at BRIC, a dynamic research environment dedicated to cutting-edge structural and molecular biology. The group collaborates extensively with national and international partners, as evidenced by her co-authorship with researchers from multiple institutions.

Edith HoubenView profile

Associate Professor

• Protein Secretion
• Mycobacterial Pathogenesis
• Type VII Secretion Systems
• +3 more

Edith Houben is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with a dual appointment in the Molecular Microbiology department and AIMMS. She holds a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2000) and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Basel (2004–2007). Her work focuses on mycobacterial type VII secretion systems, particularly ESX-1 and ESX-5 systems, and their roles in pathogenesis and protein secretion mechanisms. Key research interests include protein secretion in pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, structural biology of secretion systems, and the molecular basis of bacterial virulence. Her grants include NWO Veni (2007), VIDI (2013), and ASPASIA (2018) awards, supporting studies on mycobacterial transport systems and secretory pathways. She teaches courses on infectious diseases and microbiology, including 'Infectieziekten: Gastheer-Pathogeen Interacties' and 'Molecular Microbiology.' Her research has contributed to understanding outer membrane transport, substrate specificity, and secretion system dynamics, with high-impact publications in Nature , mBio , and Annual Review of Microbiology . Awards: Veni-grant (NWO-ALW, 2007) VIDI-grant (NWO-ALW, 2013) ASPASIA grant (NWO, 2018) Febs Fellowship (Switzerland, 2004) Her work aligns with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through research targeting infectious diseases and tuberculosis pathogenesis.

Meera UnnikrishnanView profile

Professor

• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Microbiota in Infection Prevention
• +5 more

Professor Meera Unnikrishnan is a leading academic at the University of Warwick in the Department of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation , focusing on bacterial infections and host defense mechanisms. Her research explores Staphylococcus aureus , Clostridium difficile , and microbiota interactions using molecular and cellular technologies. Key research areas : Host-pathogen interactions, biofilm formation, microbiota modulation of infections, and intracellular bacterial survival. Technological innovations : Development of cell-based systems for pathogen-host-microbiota interaction studies and nanoparticle-based antimicrobial delivery. Her scientific publications (2013–2019) highlight virulence mechanisms in bacterial pathogens and strategies to combat recurrent infections. Collaborative work with the Perrier group in Chemistry on intracellular antibiotic delivery exemplifies her interdisciplinary approach.

• Mycobacterial Pathogenesis
• Vaccine Development
• Respiratory Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Matt Johansen is a Chancellor's Research Fellow at the Centre for Inflammation, University of Technology Sydney (UTS). His work focuses on mycobacterial pathogenesis, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and vaccine development. He holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience with Honours (University of Sydney, 2013) and a PhD in Veterinary Microbiology & Immunology (University of Sydney, 2017). Dr. Johansen's research integrates animal models (e.g., zebrafish, mice) and advanced in vitro systems to study host-pathogen interactions, particularly targeting non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and coronaviruses. Research Interests: Mycobacterial pathogenesis, SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms, vaccine development, host immune responses, and translational drug discovery. Recent Trends in Articles: Dr. Johansen's publications emphasize vaccine design against emerging sarbecoviruses, mechanisms of NTM virulence, and the impact of smoking on cytokine regulation. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with a focus on therapies for respiratory diseases such as preeclampsia, COPD, and ARDS. Grants & Collaborations: He leads projects funded by NSW Health, NHMRC, and UTS, focusing on mRNA vaccines, anti-inflammatory compounds, and lipid nanoparticle delivery systems. Collaborations include the Centenary Institute, Hudson Institute, and international teams in France and the U.S. Labs & Teams: Active in the Centre for Inflammation, contributing to infectious disease programs targeting high-risk pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2. Engages in interdisciplinary teams for drug discovery and zebrafish modeling.

William R. Jacobs Jr.View profile

Professor

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis genetics
• Mycobacteriophages
• Bacterial persistence mechanisms
• +5 more

William R. Jacobs Jr. holds dual professorships in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology and the Department of Genetics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he also holds the Leo and Julia Forchheimer Chair in Microbiology & Immunology. His research focuses on understanding Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis, developing novel vaccines using recombinant herpes vectors, and identifying mechanisms of bacterial persistence. Key projects include creating comprehensive deletion mutant libraries of M. tuberculosis, studying antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and advancing luciferase reporter phage diagnostics. Research areas emphasize: 1) Virulence factor identification through genetic screens, 2) Mechanisms enabling bacterial survival under host/antibiotic assault, 3) Vaccine development targeting influenza, TB, dengue, and EEEV, and 4) Rapid diagnostic technologies. His lab's work spans molecular genetics, immunology, and translational medicine with a focus on global health challenges. Publications (2017-2019) highlight breakthroughs in T-cell mediated immunity, metabolic pathways of persistence, and novel drug combinations. Current efforts prioritize translating basic science discoveries into clinical solutions for TB and viral infections.

John WhitneyView profile

Associate Professor

• Bacteriology
• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• +3 more

John Whitney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University. His research focuses on bacterial interactions, structural biology, and biofilm formation, with a particular emphasis on Type VI and Type VII secretion systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and related pathogens. He is affiliated with the Michael DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research. Education: Ph.D. from University of Toronto (2013), Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Washington (2013-2016) Whitney's work explores the molecular mechanisms of bacterial toxins, their delivery systems, and roles in microbial competition. His recent studies include the structural characterization of effector proteins , chaperones , and antibacterial enzymes using techniques like cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography. He investigates how bacteria evolve immunity proteins to neutralize toxins during gut colonization. His research has been recognized with a Canada Research Chair and involves collaborations in structural biology and infectious disease. He has also contributed to understanding biofilm matrix redundancy and polysaccharide biosynthesis in Gram-negative bacteria. Scientific Awards: Canada Research Chair (CRC) Appointment