Single-cell biology of bacterial pathogens in host tissues

Speaker: Dirk Bumann (Biozentrum Basel)

Host: Andreas Peschel (CMFI)

Venue: Hörsaal 3M07, Geo- und Umweltforschungszentrum (GUZ)
Schnarrenbergstr. 94–96
D-72076 Tübingen

Abstract:

The physiology of bacterial pathogens in host tissues is crucial for infectious disease progression and control. Single-cell technologies reveal an astonishing diversity of pathogen cells that co-exist in the same host tissue but show disparate molecular composition, metabolism, fate, and impact on overall disease progression. We use 3D imaging methods at nm to cm scales and combine them with flow cytometry and mass spectrometry to unravel this complexity and its impact on disease progression and control. I will present our current work on (i) heterogeneous Salmonella iron access in mouse spleen, (ii) the surprisingly poor anti-Salmonella activity of antimicrobials in vivo, and (iii) Staphylococcus aureus biology in human patients.