Clayton Caswell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Pathobiology
- College of Veterinary Medicine
Synopsis:
Dr. Caswell studies how the bacteria Brucella spp. causes infection in humans and animals.
Description:
Dr. Caswell is focused on understanding the molecular and biochemical characteristics of Brucella that allow the brucellae to establish infections in animals and humans. He's interested in defining mechanisms of Brucella survival and replication in the host. Brucellosis is one of the world's leading animal-to-human infections, and brucellae have unfortunately been designated as Select Agents for their potential use in biological warfare and biological terrorism. His lab has identified small regulatory RNAs that are essential for pathogenesis, and is currently studying how these genetic pathways contribute to the overall biology and virulence of the bacterium.