Molecular pathogenesis

Research in this theme is investigating the molecular and cellular nature of the virulence factors by which pathogens target their hosts. Major projects are addressing the molecular basis of host-pathogen interactions, how these interaction cause pathology, immune responses and disease transmission, and how this knowledge can exploited therapeutically.

Amy Buck's group in the School of Biological Sciences, focuses on the function and mechanism of small RNAs in host-pathogen systems, with a particular interest in small RNA turnover and trafficking.

The Digard lab at the Roslin Institute is interested in the viral factors controlling replication and spread of influenza A virus.

Work in the Fitzgerald lab at the Roslin Institute is focused on the evolution and pathogenesis of clinically important bacterial pathogens.

The Grey Lab uses cutting-edge tools to examine the interactions between the host and pathogens such as cytomegalovirus, influenza virus and African Trypanosomiasis.

The Matthews lab in the School of Biological Sciences is understanding how the parasites that cause sleeping sickness, control their life cycle and the spread of disease.

The main focus of the Alex Rowe's lab in the School of Biological Sciences is understanding the malaria parasite properties (virulence factors) and human genetic factors (malaria susceptibility genes) that contribute to life-threatening malaria.