CombaT7

Single-cell microbiology, host–pathogen dynamics and time-lapse imaging.

Atomic force microscopy and nanoscale bioimaging of the cell envelope.

Bacterial protein secretion and the molecular biology of the T7SS.

Cryo-EM structural analysis of bacterial secretion machines.

Mycobacterial pathogenesis and the genetics of ESX secretion systems.

Assembly and substrate recognition of mycobacterial T7SSs.

Research interests: Human tissue models, microfabrication, microfluidics, timelapse microscopy, host–pathogen interactions.

To fully understand the T7SS's role in both bacterial warfare and host–pathogen interactions, we require dynamic and controlled models. Microfluidic systems are essential as they allow for precise visualization of bacteria–bacteria antagonism and, when integrated with platforms like the lung-on-a-chip, enable the study of complex host–bacteria interactions in an in vivo-like context. My efforts are concentrated on developing and utilizing these microfluidic models to observe and quantify the T7SS mechanisms in action.

Research interests: Interbacterial antagonism, bacterial secretion systems, mycobacterial pathogenesis, timelapse microscopy.

My work focuses on the mechanistic characterization of ESX-4–mediated interbacterial antagonism in mycobacteria and on identifying predator–prey interaction dynamics at single-cell level. Central to this effort is timelapse imaging at single-cell resolution, supported by machine-learning–based image analysis. This enables us to resolve the mode of action, sequence of events, and dynamic outcomes of ESX-4-driven cell–cell antagonism. To achieve this, we incorporate custom-made microfluidic and lung-on-chip platforms providing controlled environments and physiologically relevant contexts for these single-cell mechanistic studies.

As a crucial resident immune cell in the alveolus of the lung, macrophages represent the first line of defense against tuberculosis. During infection, however, the lung pathogen TB can infect, hijack and kill macrophages in a complex interplay between secreted proteins of the T7 secretion system, host receptors, and intracellular factors. As part of CombaT7 I am investigating this interplay and the mechanisms that drive the killing of macrophages and the dissemination of mycobacteria in the lung.

Research interests: Cryo-EM, cryo-ET, secretion systems, cellular structure, microbiology.

I use cryo-electron microscopy and tomography to resolve the architecture of the T7SS apparatus at near-atomic detail, revealing how its components assemble across the mycobacterial cell envelope.

Research interests: Mycobacteria, cell envelope, membrane proteins, protein secretion systems, microbial pathogens.

My research focuses on the mechanics of substrate translocation within the mycobacterial Type VII secretion system. Specifically, I utilize molecular and biochemical techniques to investigate the fundamental processes of substrate recognition and the pathways of transport across the inner membrane. This work is critical for understanding how mycobacteria survive and cause infection, ultimately aiding the development of targeted therapeutics.

Research interests: Cell wall homeostasis, interbacterial interactions, bacterial secretion systems.

I am a Postdoctoral Research Associate specialising in mycobacterial cell envelope biogenesis and interbacterial competition. With a PhD in cell wall protein biochemistry, my research focuses on the structural and functional characterisation of novel antimicrobial toxins and glycoside hydrolases. Using structural, molecular, and biochemical approaches, I am investigating cell wall-targeting Type VII secreted effectors to decipher how mycobacteria deliver antibacterial effectors and to identify vulnerable structural targets for new therapeutic strategies.

Research interests: Mycobacteria, protein secretion, membrane proteins.

My research focuses on the ESX-1 Type VII secretion system in mycobacteria, with an emphasis on the secretion and function of the virulence-associated Esp proteins. Using molecular and biochemical techniques, I contribute to studies investigating how these proteins are exported, and their role in hemolysis and infection. Through supporting a range of research projects, my work helps advance our understanding of mycobacterial secretion systems and the mechanisms that enable infection.