University of Kentucky · Microbiology & ImmunologyThe Chlamydia Dynamics Lab
Kenneth A Fields · Lexington, Kentucky
Research Focus
Dr. Kenneth A. Fields leads a research lab focused on understanding how the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis manipulates host cell biology to promote its own survival and pathogenesis. His team studies the proteins that Chlamydia secretes to alter the host cell's actin cytoskeleton and vesicular transport, which are crucial for infection. By exploring these molecular interactions, the lab aims to uncover new insights into Chlamydia-related diseases and their effects on human health.
Chlamydiaactin cytoskeletontype III secretion systemhost-pathogen interactionspathogenesisintracellular bacteria
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how Chlamydia effectors manipulate host actin networks.
AIM 02Identify the roles of TmeA and TmeB in intracellular trafficking.
AIM 03Elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Chlamydia-induced host cell modifications.
AIM 04Explore the impact of Chlamydia on cellular vesicular transport processes.
AIM 05Assess the contributions of specific Chlamydia mutants to disease severity in models.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturegene editinganimal modelsbiochemical assaysmicroscopyWestern blottingRNA sequencingprotein interaction studiesimmunofluorescenceflow cytometry
Output against the department
Publications58bottom 15% of dept.412th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.9kbottom 29% of dept.344th of 486
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.