https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2601-0955
Overview
The Smith Lab are interested in host genetic diversity, bacterial variation, and how these host-pathogen genetic interactions drive tuberculosis disease states.
Systems Genetics of Tuberculosis: We leverage host diversity in mice and macrophages from wild-derived mouse strains and diverse mouse panels, including the Collaborative Cross and BXD mammalian resources. In parallel, we define the bacterial genetic requirements for growth and adaptation across these diverse host environments through cutting-edge mycobacterial genetic approaches. These combined host and bacterial genome-wide approaches allows the interrogation of each host-pathogen interaction underlying tuberculosis disease, drug treatments and vaccine interventions.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
·
2019 - Present
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology,
Basic Science Departments
Assistant Professor of Cell Biology
·
2022 - Present
Cell Biology,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Human Vaccine Institute
·
2019 - Present
Duke Human Vaccine Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
High-quality mouse reference genomes reveal the structural complexity of the murine protein-coding landscape
Journal Article Cell Genomics · February 11, 2026 Featured Publication We present a collection of 17 high-quality long-read inbred mouse strain genomes with complete annotation (contig N50s of 0.8–33.9 Mbp). This collection includes 12 widely used classical laboratory strains and 5 wild-derived strains. We have resolved previ ... Full text CitePaired single-cell and spatial transcriptional profiling reveals a central osteopontin macrophage response mediating tuberculous granuloma formation.
Journal Article mBio · September 10, 2025 Granulomas are classic manifestations of tuberculosis pathogenesis. They result from an ensemble of immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, but the identities, arrangement, cellular interactions, and regulation of the cells that comprise ... Full text Link to item CiteCathepsin Z is a conserved susceptibility factor underlying tuberculosis severity.
Journal Article PLoS Biol · September 2025 Tuberculosis (TB) outcomes vary widely, from asymptomatic infection to mortality, yet most animal models do not recapitulate human phenotypic and genotypic variation. The genetically diverse Collaborative Cross mouse panel models distinct facets of TB dise ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Defining the host-pathogen interactions underlying susceptibility to tuberculosis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Pew Scholars Program · 2024 - 2029Systems Genetics of Tuberculosis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by University of Massachusetts Medical School · 2024 - 2029The Genetic Base of Bone Disease in Mycobacterial Infection
ResearchCo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2023 - 2028View All Grants
Education
University of Tasmania (Australia) ·
2012
Ph.D.