The Henderson laboratory uses interdisciplinary approaches to better understand infection pathogenesis and to identify new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. To do this, we combine patient-oriented studies with new biochemical approaches to identify how virulence-associated bacterial pathogens cause disease. Guided by these results, we seek a mechanistic understanding of infection physiology. Of particular interest are the multifunctional roles of small molecules associated with iron scavenging – called siderophores. New properties and host interactions have been identified for bacterial siderophores using a combination of biochemical and pathophysiologic approaches including mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, bacterial genetics, protein chemistry, and infection models.

• Lab Website

Infectious diseases

• Information for Patients