Pablo E. Valguarnera, PhD

Washington University in St. Louis (WU)

The focus of my research is based on the identification and characterization of genetic determinants of bacterial colonization and competition by human gut commensal organisms. While the mammalian gut microbiome begins to establish since early life, there is a paucity of mechanistic data that informs on how microorganisms compete for stable ecological niches. My work is focused on Type 6 Secretion System (T6SS) toxins from Bacteroides fragilis and their role in intra- and interspecies competition. I also study soluble secreted toxins from B. fragilis such as the host-damaging B. fragilis toxin (BFT), and a novel family of antibacterial toxins known as Bacteroides competition factor (Bcf). To understand the role and mechanisms underlying competitive fitness by T6SS-dependent and independent toxins I utilize genetic, biochemical and in vivo modelling approaches.