Microbial Pathogenesis

The objective of the Microbial Pathogenesis Research Unit is to understand, at the molecular level, how pathogenic bacteria grow adhered to the surface of medical devices or tissues, producing infections that do not respond to antibiotic treatment and therefore often become chronic. To study this form of bacterial growth, which is called biofilm, the group employs genetic engineering approaches, omics technologies, synthetic biology and animal experimentation models. The ultimate aim of their research is to identify the critical elements of the biofilm formation process in order to prevent its formation, eliminate already formed biofilms, improve existing treatments or promote the formation of biofilms of non-pathogenic bacteria for therapeutic purposes.

Research lines:
•    Signal transduction mechanisms in bacteria.
Development of bacteria for therapeutic purposes and identification of new targets for the treatment of infections.
•    Study of bacterial adhesion to abiotic surfaces, such as medical implants and tissues.