Yale University · Microbiology & ImmunologyCenter for Clostridioides Research
Hualiang Pi · New Haven, Connecticut
Research Focus
Dr. Hualiang Pi's research lab focuses on understanding how the bacterium Clostridioides difficile adapts to iron availability in the gut and how this adaptation affects its interactions with the host and other microbes. By exploring the formation of specialized organelles called ferrosomes, which store iron and help the bacteria thrive, the lab aims to identify new ways to treat infections caused by this pathogen. The work not only addresses a critical health issue but also seeks to reveal the fundamental biological processes that govern microbial behavior in the intestine.
C. difficileiron homeostasisferrosome organelleshost-microbe interactionsintestinal infectionsantimicrobial strategiesbacterial colonization
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the molecular mechanisms of ferrosome organelle biogenesis in C. difficile.
AIM 02Determine the role of ferrosomes in bacterial adaptation to nutrient iron stress.
AIM 03Examine how ferrosome formation influences host immune responses.
AIM 04Explore the relationships between iron availability, C. difficile colonization, and gut microbiome dynamics.
AIM 05Identify potential targets for novel antimicrobial therapies against C. difficile infections.
Skills the Lab Values
cell cultureCo-Immunoprecipitationsiron transport assaysmolecular cloningmass spectrometryexperimental designdata analysismicroscopybacterial growth characterizationlipid composition analysis
Output against the department
Publications43bottom 8% of dept.447th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.9kbottom 12% of dept.426th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
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