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Dennis Ko

Associate Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
0049 CARL Building, Box 3053, 213 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Using Cellular GWAS to Understand How Human Genetic Variation Impacts Host-pathogen Interactions and Disease
Despite improvements in public health, advancements in vaccines, and the development of many classes of antibiotics, infectious disease is still responsible for over a quarter of all deaths worldwide. However, even for the most devastating of pandemics, individuals demonstrate a large variability in the severity of infection. The long-term goal of the lab is to understand the genetic basis for differences in susceptibility to infection and related inflammatory disorders. We approach this question through a combination of experimental and computational approaches that combine high-throughput cell biology with quantitative human genetics. The identified genetic differences serve as the starting point for exploring new cell biology and human disease susceptibility genes.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Associate Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology · 2020 - Present Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor of Cell Biology · 2022 - Present Cell Biology, Basic Science Departments
Associate Professor in Medicine · 2022 - Present Medicine, Clinical Science Departments
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society · 2017 - Present Duke Science & Society, University Initiatives & Academic Support Units

In the News


Published September 8, 2022
Chlamydia’s Stealthy Cloaking Device Identified
Published March 8, 2017
Researchers Identify Biomarker That Predicts Death in Sepsis Patients
Published September 15, 2015
Specific Fatty Acids May Worsen Crohn’s Disease

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Recent Publications


Human genetic variation reveals FCRL3 is a lymphocyte receptor for Yersinia pestis.

Journal Article Cell Genom · June 5, 2025 Yersinia pestis is the bacterium responsible for plague, one of the deadliest diseases in history. To discover human genetic determinants of Y. pestis infection, we utilized nearly 1,000 genetically diverse lymphoblastoid cell lines in a cellular genome-wi ... Full text Link to item Cite

Escherichia coli Type III Secretion System 2 (ETT2) is Associated with Patient Mortality in Bloodstream Infections.

Journal Article J Infect Dis · May 22, 2025 BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli has an extensive accessory genome, though its role in impacting patient mortality is unknown. METHODS: We performed whole genome sequencing with E. coli bloodstream infection isolates from inpatients at Duke University. Pan-gen ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Targeting Hepatocyte Senescence to Improve NAFLD

ResearchAdvisor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024 - 2029

Genetic Contributors to the Impact of Sex on Heterogeneity in Flu Infection

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2027

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Education, Training & Certifications


Stanford University · 2005 M.D.
Stanford University · 2003 Ph.D.