Research profile Prof. Dr. Michael Hensel

The Hensel research group investigates molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenicity. Using the gastrointestinal pathogen Salmonella enterica as model system, mechanisms of host cell recognition and binding, cell invasion, and intracellular lifestyle in host cells are investigated. The special properties of the typhoid pathogen are investigated. Dynamic interactions between pathogen and host cells are analysed at single cell level. Understanding these interactions contributes to the development of new strategies for prevention and therapy of infectious diseases.

Research topics

  • Manipulation of host cells by bacterial virulence proteins
  • Function of bacterial protein secretion systems
  • Structure-function relationship of bacterial adhesion factors
  • Mechanisms of invasion of polarised epithelial cells
  • Reorganisation of the endosomal system of host cells by intracellular Salmonella

Model systems

  • Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium und isogene Mutanten
  • Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi und Papratyphi A
  • Murine und humane Zelllinien und primäre Zellen
  • Polarisierte Epithelzellen
  • Intestinale Organoide

Methods

  • advanced bacterial genetics
  • single cell analyses
  • live cell imaging of infection
  • correlative light and electron microscopy
  • Proteomics

Selected publications

Portrait Prof. Dr. Michael Hensel

Prof. Dr. Michael Hensel

Room 36/121
Barbarastraße 11
49076 Osnabrück