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"If we are to understand dynamics of bacterial-host cell interactions, we need to investigate the intimate adaptations at the cellular and molecular levels"

jeudi 11 octobre 2012, par Damien F. Meyer

© Damien F. Meyer
Damien F. Meyer, Olivier Gros

Welcome to my personal website. I am a research scientist at CIRAD in the Caribbean Research Centre for Vector-borne diseases (approx. 20 people). We are located on the INRA campus in Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe and we are part of the ASTRE research unit based in Montpellier. I have worked on numerous whole genome sequencing projects and functional genomics projects for Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, X. c. pv. raphani, X. oryzae pv. oryzae, X. o. pv. oryzicola and Ehrlichia ruminantium. My current research interests are directed toward understanding the biology host-intracellular bacteria interactions.

Bacterial pathogens and symbionts exploit a wide array of strategies to facilitate interaction with hosts. For endosymbiotic or intracellular pathogenic bacteria, there is a constant need to manipulate signaling pathways in the eukaryotic mammalian or arthropod host cell. I am particularly interested in the pathways used by intracellular pathogenic Ehrlichia bacteria to enter host cells and create a safe replicating niche. I am also investigating how endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria interact with eukaryotic cells. My research encompasses the underlying molecular mechanisms of these processes and the illumination of how these strategies facilitate unique interactions with the host immune system, most notably for immune evasion.
To this aim, I use a systems biology approach that goes from molecular and cellular biology to translational studies with particular emphasis on the interface between the bacterium and its host (vertebrate and invertebrate ; unicellular or multicellular). The unifying theme is the integrated study of infectious strategies of Anaplasmataceae (pathogenic Ehrlichia and symbiotic Wolbachia) in conjunction and communication with each other, their host, and the cellular environment they inhabit.
Findings from this work contribute to understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis and endosymbiosis as well as advancement of human and animal health interests.

This site contains a more detailed description of my research projects at CIRAD, an introduction to people working with me, reprints of all of my publications, and other useful links.

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