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Research activities
Research activities
Research activities in our group aim to increase our understanding of bacterial physiology and pathogenesis using systems biology and functional genomics approaches. Our research projects focus on various aspect that are crucial for bacteria during an infection. Our goal is to identify new targets to develop the next generation of antibiotics and alternatives to antibiotics.
Genetic interactions
Genetic interactions
Only ~300 genes out of more than 4000 are essential for the growth of model bacterium Escherichia coli in laboratory in rich media. Gene essentiality is however dependent of the genetic context (other genes present in the genome) or the environmental conditions (growth media). We are studying genetic interactions in E. coli by creating double deletion mutants in high-throughput and evaluating their growth. We are also interested in developing new ways to study genetic interactions in bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella Typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Synthetic lethal interactions (deletion of two otherwise dispensable genes) represent new targets for novel antibacterial therapy.
Interbacterial interactions
Interbacterial interactions
To establish an infection, bacterial pathogens must interact with the microorganisms that are present in the microbiota. We are interested in better understanding the mechanisms by which bacteria interact together. We are interested in gaining a better understanding of some systems know to promote interbacterial interactions, such as the type IV secretion system (responsible for bacterial conjugation and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes) and the type VI secretion system (that allows a bacterium to kill its neighbors). We are also interested in identifying novel mechanisms that pathogens used to interact with the microbiota. A better understanding of these mechanisms will enable the design of new anti-virulence strategies that will prevent infections.
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