Laboratory of Neal M. Alto, PhD

The Alto lab studies the molecular basis of microbial pathogenesis with a specific emphasis on elucidating the biochemical and cellular function of bacterial ‘effector’ proteins. Historically, bacteria have been the cause of deadly disease and widespread epidemics worldwide.  These pathogens continue to pose an enormous health risk due to the evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains and their potential to be used as agents of bioterrorism. 

Our laboratory is primarily interested in two major aspects of host/pathogen interactions:

First, we are studying the virulence mechanisms of bacterial effector proteins with the goal of gaining significant molecular insights that will lead to improved vaccine development and new treatments for bacterial infectious disease.  We take a multidisciplinary approach, including high-throughput functional screening, X-ray crystallography, and genetics to achieve these goals. 

Second, we use bacterial effector proteins as tools to probe the molecular underpinnings of fundamental cell biological processes.  In particular, we are interested in how bacteria hijack host endomembrane trafficking systems and cytoskeleton-based processes.  By using bacterial effector proteins to manipulate signaling networks involved in these complex systems, we gain a clearer picture of cell behaviors responsible for numerous human disease states including cancer. 

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