Constantin (Nick) Takacs

Constantin (Nick) Takacs is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Northeastern University, where he leads the Takacs Lab. His research focuses on understanding the Lyme disease bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, its tick vectors, and their interactions using genetic, imaging, and biochemical approaches. He joined Northeastern in January 2023 after completing postdoctoral research at Yale University, Stanford University, and HHMI.

Dr. Takacs holds a Ph.D. from Rockefeller University (2016), where his work centered on hepatitis C virus, lipoprotein secretion, and liver diseases under the mentorship of Dr. Sanford M. Simon and Dr. Charles M. Rice. During his postdoctoral training with Dr. Christine Jacobs-Wagner, he pioneered genetic methods for Borrelia burgdorferi, including CRISPRi-based gene expression tools and insights into the bacterium's polyploid genome structure.

His research interests span microbial pathogenesis, bacterial genetics, and host-pathogen interactions. Key themes include the molecular mechanisms of Borrelia's segmented genome organization, CRISPR-based genetic tools for spirochete research, and the impact of environmental factors on Lyme disease transmission dynamics. His lab emphasizes collaborative, inclusive mentorship and translational research to address emerging infectious diseases.

Notable publications highlight advancements in understanding Borrelia's peptidoglycan biogenesis, genome stability in culture vs. tick vectors, and CRISPR applications for gene regulation. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with public health concerns, particularly regarding the expansion of Lyme disease due to climate change.