Bacterial toxins are nature's most potent weapon, our lab investigates novel toxins as well as toxin mechanisms of action, we seek to define the principals by which these toxins exert their effect on the host. 

The nervous system controls complex interactions within the body, in part by interacting with cells within tissue. Our lab seeks to understand how pathogens interact with local neuronal circuits and their tissue interactions. We are currently characterizing the role of pericytes and their interaction with intestinal neurons.

Our lab uses toxins as a lens to understand intestinal physiology. In particular we study how toxin targets such as neurons and pericytes interact to control anatomy within the intestine. We do this to understand the local control of tissue. 

Human physiology also has an impact upon microbes, in part by controlling local physiological reactions including mucus secretions, leakage of proteins and bile secretion. Our lab aims to investigate how host effects can impact on microbes, mainly focused on how pathogenic effects on the host may drive underlying changes in the microbiome.