Kodama Lab／Division of Infectious Disease  Department of Molecular Bacteriology

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is making infections increasingly difficult to treat, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on antibiotics for infectious disease control.

Our laboratory seeks to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying virulence in enteric pathogenic bacteria and the evolutionary processes that drive the global emergence of these epidemic strains. By understanding these mechanisms, we aim to identify novel concepts and strategies for controlling bacterial infections beyond conventional antibiotic-based approaches.

Virulence Mechanisms in Enteropathogenic Bacteria

We investigate how enteric pathogenic bacteria express virulence and establish infection within a host. Our research integrates the identification of virulence factors with detailed analyses of their molecular functions and the regulatory mechanisms that control their expression. By combining molecular microbiology with newly developed infection models, we aim to clarify the mechanisms by which pathogens interact with the host and successfully cause disease.

Evolutionary Mechanisms Driving Global Dissemination of Epidemic Strains

Another major focus of our research is to understand why certain bacterial strains spread globally and cause large outbreaks. Through international molecular epidemiological studies, we analyze bacterial isolates collected from diverse geographic regions using whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic approaches. By identifying lineage-specific genetic factors and experimentally validating their functions, we aim to uncover the evolutionary mechanisms that drive the emergence and global dissemination of epidemic strains.