Joanne Engel, MD, PHD

My laboratory is interested understanding and exploiting the complex interplay of microbial pathogens with eukaryotic cells. To that end, we have investigated the key processes of microbial attachment and entry, intracellular survival, and host cell injury in the context of two important human pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). Each of these microorganisms has developed a unique strategy for successful survival that involves subverting and exploiting host cell pathways. Dissecting these processes will allow the development of new diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines and will provide a unique window into eukaryotic cell biology.