University of Nevada-Las Vegas · ChemistryThe Gut Guardian Lab
Ernesto V Abel-Santos · Las Vegas, Nevada
Research Focus
Dr. Ernesto V Abel-Santos leads research at the University of Nevada Las Vegas focused on combating Clostridium difficile infections (CDI). His lab investigates innovative bile salt analogs that can inhibit the germination of C. difficile spores without causing toxicity. By synthesizing and testing these compounds, the lab aims to develop safe prophylactic treatments to reduce CDI incidence, addressing a significant public health concern.
C. difficilebile saltsprophylaxisantimicrobial agentsinfection preventionsynthetic analogsgut microbiome
Research Aims
5AIM 01Explore the synthesis and efficacy of non-hydrolysable bile salt analogs as anti-germinants for CDI.
AIM 02Characterize the binding interactions between bile salt analogs and their target proteins.
AIM 03Assess the stability and permeability of bile salt analogs in the gut environment.
AIM 04Evaluate the pharmacokinetics and dynamics of selected bile salt compounds in rodent models.
AIM 05Develop dosage strategies for personalized CDI prophylactics based on varying patient risks.
Skills the Lab Values
synthesis of chemical compoundspharmacokineticscell culturein vitro testingmolecular characterizationdata analysisanimal modelstoxicology assessmentbiochemical assays
Output against the department
Publications73bottom 14% of dept.185th of 216
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.9kbottom 15% of dept.183rd of 216
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.