Lakshmi Rajagopal, Ph.D.

In the Rajagopal lab, we utilize genetic, molecular, biochemical and proteomic approaches to study infectious diseases caused by bacteria. The human pathogens that we study are group B Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Although both GBS and S. aureus are commensal organisms, these bacteria can also become disease-causing pathogens.

Current Research Projects

Current research projects on group B Streptococcus are focused on understanding how the pathogen migrates through different host niches during infections. Research includes identifying the environmental cues/signals that are sensed by the pathogen for regulation of toxins and other virulence factors. Our studies on S. aureus are focused on elucidating factors that regulate antibiotic resistance and virulence of the pathogen. We are also investigating how mutations in host signaling pathways affect disease susceptibility to S. aureus. This is particularly relevant as patients with genetic disorders such as Jobs syndrome and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) are prone to recurrent and life-threatening infections due to S. aureus.

We hope that a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved during bacterial pathogenesis will enable us to identify novel compounds that can be used to treat these bacterial infections.

Rajagopal Lab website