Anja Lührmann

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Research area:

Coxiella burnetii – citrate – itaconate – hypoxia – persistence

The main interest of our group is to understand host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level. We are studying molecular and cellular events that enable microbial pathogens to evade host defense mechanisms. In particular, we are interested in how obligate intracellular pathogens modulate host cell apoptosis pathways, signal transduction and vesicular trafficking. We are using the Coxiella burnetii as a model system. C. burnetii is the causative agent of human Q fever, a worldwide zoonotic disease. These small Gram-negative bacteria are classified in the g subdivision of proteobacteria. C. burnetii are transmitted to humans by inhalation of infectious material transmitted from domestic livestock. Q fever is often an asymptomatic or mild flu-like illness, but can develop into an atypical pneumonia or hepatitis. Furthermore, the infection can also result in chronic Q fever, which is typically characterized by bacterial endocarditis and is potentially fatal.

 

Our current projects are:

1.) Analysis of C. burnetii-induced inhibition of host cell death

To determine the diverse mechanisms employed by Coxiella burnetii to prevent host cell apoptosis, we will analyze the function of Coxiella burnetii type IV secretion system (T4SS) substrates that interfere with signaling of host cell death pathways.

 

2.) Induction and regulation of Coxiella burnetii persistence by environmental factors

In this project we analyze how environmental factors like TCA metabolites and oxygen availability influence C. burnetii persistence. Furthermore, we will identify bacterial molecules, which sense these environmental clues and investigate their activities. (project within the RTG2740 (https://www.immunomicrotope.de/)

 

3.) Egress mechanisms of C. burnetii

While we have information about the initial step of C. burnetii uptake and the maturation process of the C. burnetii-containing vacuole, it is unknown how C. burnetii spreads, i.e. how it exits its host cell to enter new target cells. Thus, this project investigate C. burnetii egress mechanisms. (project within the SPP2225 (https://www.spp2225.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/ccsvy/)

 

4.) Role of microbial miRNAs in infections

This project aims at the large-scale identification of bacterial microRNA-like small RNAs (sRNAs) encoded by the vacuolar pathogens Brucella suis and Coxiella burnetii, the study of their intracellular localization and the characterization of their role in infection. (ANR-DFG project together with Sascha Al Dahouk, Stephan Köhler and Matteo Bonazzi)