In our lab, we investigate how bacteria colonize diverse environments through mechanisms such as biofilm formation and host cell-bacteria interactions. We use three alpha-proteobacteria as model systems: Rhizobium, a symbiont that enables legumes to fix nitrogen, Brucella, an intracellular pathogen responsible for the zoonotic disease brucellosis, and Ochrobactrum anthropi, an opportunistic pathogen closed related to Brucella but easier to manipulate.

In Rhizobium, we study how extracellular matrix components and secreted proteins—particularly Rap lectins—contribute to biofilm formation and cellular cohesion. In Brucella, we investigate the identity, localization, and regulation of adhesins that mediate host cell attachment. Our work has revealed the polar localization of adhesins from the autotransporter families. Additionally, we demonstrated the role of the TAM (Map) complex in the correct translocation of autotransporter proteins and in the cell envelope biogenesis of alphaproteobacteria. We also contribute to understanding the transcriptional networks that link virulence and environmental sensing. These studies help explain bacterial adaptation to plant or animal hosts and support the development of anti-infective strategies.