We are interested in how and why bacteria interact with other cells. Below a few examples of our recent work:
How do naturally coexisting bacteria of the microbiota affect each other?
with Hanna, Gabija, and Rahul
We isolated formerly coexisting Bacteroides strains from the murine intestine and observed that they affect each other’s growth positively or negatively under laboratory conditions. These results show the potential for interactions between closely related bacteria in host-associated microbial communities. [more]
Which bacteria live in the intestine?
with Hanna and Rahul
We experimentally characterized two isolates of the recently discovered bacterial species Bacteroides muris. The bacteria had been isolated from the intestinal microbiota of wild-derived house mice and provide insights into microbes that are exclusively host-associated. [more]
How do P. aeruginosa isolates differ in their T6SS effectors?
with Antonia, Alibek, and Veronica
We found tremendous diversity in T6SS effector sets of clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. Interestingly, some effectors vary between strains whereas others do not. Most of the isolates differ in their effector set from laboratory reference strains, calling for more research on diverse isolates. [more]
Who has a type VI secretion system?
with Rahul
We summarized the existing literature on bacteria with and without the secretion system. Knowing about the presence/absence variation helps us understand who benefits from the system and who does not. [more]
Unterweger Lab 