Regulation and Biogenesis of the Enterococcal Cell Envelope
The cell envelope of Enterococci is a multifunctional structure that plays essential roles in environmental sensing, immune evasion, and the assembly of virulence factors. As Gram-positive bacteria, E. faecalis relies on a thick peptidoglycan layer, diverse surface-exposed proteins and polymers, and a complex lipid membrane to carry out these functions. The integrity and adaptability of the envelope are critical for bacterial survival and pathogenesis, particularly in the face of host defenses and antimicrobial stress.
Our lab investigates the molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks that control envelope biogenesis and remodeling in E. faecalis. We are especially interested in how the bacterium maintains lipid homeostasis and modulates envelope composition in response to environmental cues. This includes characterizing the transcriptional regulatory networks, enzymatic pathways, and membrane-associated scaffolding proteins that coordinate the synthesis and spatial organization of envelope components such as lipids, teichoic acids, and surface proteins.
Using a combination of genetic manipulation, targeted lipidomics, biochemical assays, and high resoluation imaging, we aim to understand how envelope architecture is dynamically regulated to support infection-relevant processes. These include adhesion, immune evasion, and resistance to host-derived stresses. Our work not only informs how E. faecalis maintains envelope integrity but also identifies candidate targets for therapeutic intervention aimed at destabilizing key aspects of its pathogenic cell surface.
