Synopsis of the Research Team

Our laboratory sought to understand how bacteria synthesize their cell envelope. We are particularly interested in capsular polysaccharide (CPS), a variable glycan that covers the bacterial cell and protects it from the host immunity. CPS is also the target of all vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, our objective is to elucidate fundamental aspects of CPS synthesis, such as spatiotemporal regulation of the CPS complex and specificity of the CPS enzymes. We hope our curiosity driven research program will ultimately be translatable to improve human health.