The study of microbial pathogens and the molecular genetics of microorganisms has always been a major focus of the Department of Microbiology. Research interests in these areas are diverse, including the study of important bacterial pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus anthracis as well as model organisms like Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This research is designed to elucidate critical cellular functions necessary for virulence, interactions between pathogens and their hosts, and basic genetic mechanisms necessary for cellular adaptation and survival. A special emphasis in these studies is the design of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of disease. Furthermore, these studies are greatly enhanced by close collaborations with immunologists, structural biologists, bioinformaticists, and other scientists in the Department of Microbiology and at UAB.