معرفی
Joseph Sorg is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas A&M University, serving as Associate Head of Faculty Affairs. His research focuses on the mechanisms of Clostridioides difficile spore germination and bile acid resistance. He joined the department in 2010 after completing a Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Chicago and postdoctoral research at Tufts University School of Medicine.
Research interests emphasize understanding how C. difficile spores use bile acid ratios as germination cues, and how the bacterium avoids bile toxicity. Key areas include spore germination pathways, sporulation regulation via small acid-soluble proteins, and host colonization mechanisms. His work integrates genetic engineering (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9 systems), in vitro models, and protease dynamics.
Publications highlight advancements in germination receptor functions (e.g., CspC), YabG protease roles, and metabolic pathways like Stickland fermentation. Recent work addresses bile acid-independent infection protection and sporulation-associated proteases. His lab developed theophylline-based plasmid tools for allelic exchange, enhancing genetic manipulation in C. difficile.
Lab and affiliations include the Sorg Lab (website: sorglab.org), focusing on spore biology and pathogenesis. Ongoing projects explore spore surface layer assembly and toxin regulation networks.
