Carlos F. Gonzalez
Research in my laboratory encompasses a range of studies that address the genetics of virulence and pathogenicity. The model system used in our studies is Burkholderia cepacia. Burkholderia cepacia was first identified as a phytopathogen of onion. This plant pathogen is now recognized as a significant pathogen in nosocomial infections and in patients with cystic fibrosis. We are currently studying the genes from a type IV secretion system gene cluster that are responsible for export of a cytotoxic protein(s) and the transfer of plasmid DNA via conjugative mobilization. In addition we are conducting genomic analysis of B. cepacia bacteriophage.