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.
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
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 CiteEscherichia 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 CiteRecent Grants
Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Targeting Hepatocyte Senescence to Improve NAFLD
ResearchAdvisor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024 - 2029Genetic Contributors to the Impact of Sex on Heterogeneity in Flu Infection
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2027View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Stanford University ·
2005
M.D.
Stanford University ·
2003
Ph.D.