Lines of research

Researchers

Pamela Altamirano Silva
Research Areas
  • Bacterial pathogenesis
  • Host-pathogen interactions
  • Brucella infections
  • Medical bacteriology
  • Bacterial infections
About research

My research area focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, studying pathogens/host interaction. We study how Brucella abortus adapt to establish its intracellular life cycle. We determined how B. abortus, through a two-component system BvrS/BvrR, senses signals inside its host cells and, consequently, regulates the expression of a regulatory protein, VjbR, and the expression of a Type IV Secretion System VirB, an important virulence factor for reaching its intracellular replication niche, the endoplasmic reticulum. During exit, this BvrR/VjbR/VirB virulence circuit promotes the exit of bacteria with a phenotype highly adherent to the host cells it will infect. In addition, we are studying the exit mechanisms of B. abortus from its host cells, factors that promote this exit, as well as the role of different virulence and regulatory factors in this essential step for B. abortus pathogenesis.
 

Academic background

Degree: Degree in Micriobiology
University: University of Costa Rica
Country: Costa Rica
Year: 2006

Título: Master in Microbiology
University: University of Costa Rica
Country: Costa Rica
Year: 2015

Título: Ph.D in Science
University: University of Costa Rica
Country: Costa Rica
Year: 2021

Contact info
Phone: 2511 8614
Pamela Altamirano Silva

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