Bacterial Cell Biology Lab

Iain Hay | School of Biological Sciences | The University of Auckland

We are a multi-disciplinary lab focused on studying the cellular biology of bacteria. We employ various microbiological, structural, biochemical, genetic, and imaging techniques to understand how bacterial cells work. We have expertise in the in vitro and in vivo characterisation of bacteria and bacterial protein complexes, using various methods, including classic molecular biology, cryo-electron microscopy, in vivo crosslinking, super-resolution microscopy, and genetic screens.

We have a particular interest in understanding the bacterial cell surface and cellular envelope – the interface through which bacteria interact with the world. More than a third of bacterial proteins reside within this envelope or must traverse it via secretion. We aim to understand how bacteria produce and maintain this cell envelope, and how macromolecules (proteins, secretion systems, toxins, polysaccharides, phage…) are assembled into, and transported through this multifaceted environment.

We are always on the lookout for inquisitive minds to join the lab – see the Join Us tab for information.