Structural Microbiology Laboratory
Biofisika Institute (CSIC-UPV/EHU)
Science Park of the UPV/EHU
Barrio Sarriena s/n. 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia (Spain)
The research activities of the Group focus on deciphering the structure and function of virulence factors in pathogenic bacteria. To this end, we employ a multidisciplinary approach that includes the use of X-ray crystallography, Cryo-Electron Microscopy, biophysics and biochemistry. Currently, we investigate the mechanism of action of bacterial toxins delivered by the Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS). Nearly a quarter of sequenced Gram-negative bacteria code for the T6SS, which bacteria employ to inject toxins into target cells. The T6SS assembles inside the bacteria. Upon cell contact, this molecular machine is propelled towards the target cell, puncturing their membranes and injecting effector proteins using a contractile spike-like device. Toxins delivered by the T6SS target competing bacteria or eukaryotic host cells, providing a fitness advantage that allows them to thrive and facilitates host colonisation. We hope that our research efforts can provide fundamental scientific advances and inspire the next generation of antimicrobials.
María Dolores Pastor-Vivero
David Albesa-Jové
Jon Altuna Alvarez
Amaia González Magaña
Carmen Velázquez
Albesa-Jové D*, Sainz-Polo MÁ, Marina A, Guerin ME* (*Corresponding author).
Planamente S, Salih O, Manoli E, Albesa‐Jové D, Freemont PS, Filloux A.
Albesa-Jové D, Svetlíková Z, Tersa M, Sancho-Vaello E, Carreras-González A, Bonnet P, Arrasate P, Eguskiza A, Angala SK, Cifuente JO, et al.
Albesa-Jové, D., Mendoza, F., Rodrigo-Unzueta, A., Gomollón-Bel, F., Cifuente, J.O., Urresti, S., Comino, N., Gómez, H., Romero-García, J., Lluch, J.M., Sancho-Vaello, E., Biarnés, X., Planas, A., Merino, P., Masgrau, L. and Guerin, M.E.
Nolan, L.M., Cain, A.K., Clamens, T. et al.
Amaia González-Magaña, M. Ángeles Sainz-Polo, Gabirela Pretre, Retina Çapuni, María Lucas, Jon Altuna, Itxaso Montánchez, Paola Fucini, David Albesa-Jové
David Albesa-Jové, Javier Romero-García,Enea Sancho-Vaello, F.-Xabier Contreras, Ane Rodrigo-Unzueta, Natalia Comino, Ana Carreras-González, Pedro Arrasate, Saioa Urresti, Xevi Biarnés, Antoni Planas, and Marcelo E. Guerin