Cross-species RNA-protein complexes in infection

This project aims to investigate a novel layer of host-pathogen interactions in bacterial infection biology. Focusing on the pathogen Salmonella Typhimurium, we found the potential for formation of cross-species RNA-protein complexes during infection of human cells:

1. We predicted several effector proteins which are released by the bacterium to the host cell to have RNA-binding capacity. We will validate if these proteins bind to host RNA and to which transcripts specifically.
2. Salmonella secrets extracellular vesicles that contain RNA. We will investigate the fate of this secreted RNA in the host cell and map eukaryotic interaction partners.

Our goal is to understand if such cross-species complexes play a role in subverting the host cell during infection. In that case, we will determine the importance of post-transcriptional manipulation for the pathogens' overall virulence and test strategies to interfere with complex formation as a potential new angle to treat bacterial infection.