Hung Ton-That

Hung Ton-That is a Professor in the School of Dentistry and the Department of Dentistry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He holds an academic rank of Professor, with affiliations in both the Dentistry Department and the MIMG (Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics) program. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis, particularly in Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. His work employs multidisciplinary approaches, including bacterial genetics, biochemistry, electron microscopy, and rodent models of infection.

• Education:
  • B.S. in Chemistry, UCLA, 1996
  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, UCLA, 2000
  • Postdoctoral Fellowships at UCLA (Microbiology, 2001) and the University of Chicago (Microbiology, 2004)

Research Interests: Dr. Ton-That’s laboratory investigates three major areas: pilus assembly, protein folding, and fusobacterial pathogenesis. Key topics include the biogenesis of bacterial surface structures, mechanisms of virulence in pathogens like Fusobacterium nucleatum, and the role of pili in interbacterial interactions and biofilm formation. His work integrates structural biology, enzymology, and genetic approaches to uncover molecular mechanisms.

Recent Publications: Recent studies highlight investigations into the Rnf enzyme complex’s role in Fusobacterium nucleatum virulence, the structure-function relationships of pilus proteins, and the development of biomaterials with antibacterial properties. His work frequently explores the interplay between bacterial surface proteins, host interactions, and disease outcomes.

• Grants and Funding:
  • Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants, including R01DE017382 (Molecular Assembly on Actinomyces Cell Surfaces), R01DE033900 (Fusobacterium nucleatum outer membrane tubules), and R21DE032906 (Metabolic modulation of virulence).
  • Training grants (R90DE031531, T90DE030860) for dental and oral health researchers.

Laboratory: The Ton-That Lab at UCLA fosters interdisciplinary research, providing advanced training in microbiology, structural biology, and pathogenesis. Current projects aim to elucidate mechanisms of bacterial surface assembly and their implications for infection and disease.