David Albesa-Jové, PhD

STRUCTURAL
MICROBIOLOGY LAB

The research in the Structural Microbiology Laboratory aims to understand how bacterial effectors modulate host responses and/or kill microbial competitors to prevail and survive.

ANTIBACTERIAL TOXINS

RESEARCH

Bacteria are constantly competing for space and resources in diverse environments. We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of toxins and effectors employed for this bacterial competition. To this end, we exploit diverse structural, biophysical and biochemical approaches. Our ongoing research includes the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying antibacterial effectors secreted by Type VI secretion systems.

Nearly a quarter of sequenced Gram-negative bacteria code for the T6SS, which bacteria employ to inject virulence factors into target cells. The T6SS assembles inside the bacteria. Upon cell contact, this molecular machine is propelled towards the target cell, puncturing its membranes and injecting effector proteins using a contractile spike-like device.

Effectors delivered by the T6SS target competing bacteria or eukaryotic host cells, providing a fitness advantage that allows them to thrive and facilitates host colonization.

OUR EXPERTIES

EXPERTISE

Biophysics and Structural Biology (X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM)

Enzyme catalysis, with a particular interest in understanding reaction mechanisms, substrate specificity and molecular dynamics

Pore-forming toxins

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

PUBLICATIONS

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS

2023 | JOURNAL ARTICLE

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43585-5

COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY

2022 | JOURNAL ARTICLE

DOI: 10.1038/S42003-022-04140-Y

 

David ALBESA, PhD

My interest in structural biology and bacterial pathogenicity began at Imperial College London, within the Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, London, UK (2006-2011).

Previous to this, I completed doctoral studies in chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Kenneth DM Harris at the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (2000-2004), followed by my first postdoctoral training in the Structural Laboratory of Prof. Judith AK Howard of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Durham, Durham, UK (2004-2006).

To further develop my interest in the molecular mechanism underlying bacterial pathogenesis, I moved to Prof. Marcelo Guerin’s Laboratory in Spain (2011 to 2019), where I focused on the structural bases of glycolipid biosynthesis in bacteria, and I started developing an independent research program thanks to an Ikerbasque Research Fellowship awarded in 2014. This highly competitive 5-years fellowship provides a path towards an independent research career.

In October 2019, I was promoted to Ikerbasque Research Associate to establish an independent Research Group at the Instituto Biofisika, a joint Research centre between CSIC and the University of the Basque Country (Leioa, Spain).

CURRENT MEMBERS

MEMBERS

jonALTUNA-removebg-preview

Jon ALTUNA

jon.altunaa@ehu.eus

Ph.D. Student (2021 – present)

M.Sc. Molecular Biology & Biomedicine, UPV/EHU and UC (2021)

B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2019)

LolaPASTOR-VIVERO-removebg-preview

María Dolores PASTOR, MD

mariadolores.pastorvivero@osakidetza.eus 

Ph.D. Student (2021 – present)

Paediatrics speciality, University of Murcia (2002)

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of Murcia (1997)

Carmen VELÁZQUEZ

carmen.velazquez@ehu.eus

Ph.D. Student (2022 – present)

M.Sc. Molecular Biology & Biomedicine, UPV/EHU and UC (2022)

B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UPV/EHU (2021)

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Maialen ZABALA

maialen.zabala@ehu.eus

Ph.D. Student (2024 – present)

M.Sc. Biophysics, Autonomous University of Madrid (2023)

B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UPV/EHU (2022)

JOIN THE LAB

Applications from motivated and enthusiastic students/scientists are welcome anytime. Please send a brief letter with your CV, and the names/contact information of 2 references to davidalbesa@gmail.com

LATEST NEWS

NEWS

We present our work at the European Workshop on Bacterial Protein Toxins, Crieff Hydro Resort, UK

WE PRESENT OUR WORK AT THE GORDON RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON MICROBIAL TOXINS AND PATHOGENICITY, SOUTHBRIDGE, MA, UNITED STATES

WE PRESENT OUR WORK AT THE EUROPEAN WORKSHOP ON BACTERIAL PROTEIN TOXINS,DAVOS, SWITZERLAND

CONTACT INFO

CONTACT US

CONTACT

Los resultados científicos que se muestran son parte del proyecto "Estudio estructura-función de toxinas dependientes del Sistema de Secreción de Tipo VI de Pseudomonas aeruginosa (TOXINAS-T6SS)" PID2021-127816NB-I00, financiado por MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER, UE