University of Iowa · Microbiology & ImmunologyThe Chlamydia Dynamics Lab
Mary Weber · Iowa City, Iowa
Research Focus
Dr. Mary Weber's lab focuses on the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common bacterial cause of sexually transmitted infections. The research investigates how this pathogen manipulates the host's cellular environment to evade the immune response and establish a stable replicative niche. By studying specific inclusion membrane proteins, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments and vaccines against Chlamydia infections.
Chlamydia trachomatisinclusion membrane proteinshost-pathogen interactionvesicular traffickingpathogenesisimmune evasiontherapeutics developmentsexually transmitted infections
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how Rab-CpoS-Inc interactions mediate inclusion fusion.
AIM 02Elucidate how IncC disrupts host trafficking pathways.
AIM 03Characterize the role of inclusion membrane proteins in bacterial survival.
AIM 04Explore the mechanisms underlying immune evasion by Chlamydia trachomatis.
AIM 05Develop innovative therapeutic strategies to combat Chlamydia infections.
Skills the Lab Values
PCRcell cultureprotein purificationCryo-EMimmunofluorescence microscopyRNA extractionWestern blotflow cytometrybioinformaticsanimal models
Output against the department
Publications171top 39% of dept.186th of 486
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations4.9kbottom 37% of dept.304th of 486
this lab
most citedleast cited
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