Northwestern University · Microbiology & ImmunologyThe Pili Dynamics Lab
Hank S. Seifert · Evanston, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Hank S. Seifert's lab focuses on understanding Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, particularly how it uses Type IV pili to adhere to cells and evade the immune system. Their research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance as well as pilin antigenic variation, which allows the bacterium to change its surface proteins to escape detection. The lab's work aims to identify new treatment strategies and gain insights into the biology of this important human pathogen.
Neisseria gonorrhoeaeType IV pilusantibiotic resistancegonorrheaantigenic variation
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of the Type IV pilus in Neisseria gonorrhoeae pathogenicity.
AIM 02Identify small molecule inhibitors of Type IV pilus elaboration.
AIM 03Characterize the molecular mechanisms of pilin antigenic variation.
AIM 04Determine the interactions between proteins involved in pilus biogenesis and peptidoglycan.
AIM 05Analyze the impact of pilus variation on the bacterium's resistance to immune response.
Skills the Lab Values
PCRcell culturegene cloningbiochemical assaysRNA sequencingimmunoprecipitationmicrobial biofilm analysisprotein purification
Output against the department
Publications165top 40% of dept.194th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations9.9ktop 37% of dept.179th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
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