A major and essential structural component of the cell envelope of most bacteria is the peptidoglycan sacculus, and its synthesis is by far the most antibiotic-targeted process. In Gram-negative bacteria, the thin and net-like peptidoglycan layer is surrounded by an asymmetric and hydrophobic lipid bilayer (the outer membrane), which acts as a permeability barrier against external agents like many clinically used antibiotics. During the bacterial cell cycle both peptidoglycan and membrane biogenesis machineries are coordinated and regulated to ensure the robust growth of the cell envelope and the viability of the cell. Contrary to cell elongation and cell division, the transition between both stages called preseptal growth – synthesis of cell envelope at the division site before septation – remains poorly characterized.

The research in the laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating the biogenesis of the bacterial cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria, using gastrointestinal pathogenic organisms. Using a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, biochemistry, cell biology and different microscopy techniques we aim to identify and characterize the protein interactions and their impact on the peptidoglycan enzymatic activities, the mechanical and structural properties of the cell envelope, and the impact on virulence.