emergence and evolution of bacterial pathogens
Since the dawn of humanity, bacteria have devised numerous ways to effectively colonize us.
research
Our primary scientific interest lies at the interface between molecular evolution and pathogenesis.
selected publications
Allelic variations and gene cluster modularity act as nonlinear bottlenecks for cholera emergence
López-Pérez, Balasubramanian et al. PNAS. 2025
Molecular mechanisms and drivers of pathogen emergence
Balasubramanian et al. Trends in Microbiology. 2022
Ecological diversification reveals routes of pathogen emergence in endemic populations
López-Pérez et al. PNAS. 2021
lab news
Dr. Moreno’s NBC interview on the rising V. vulnificus cases in the US
August 11, 2025
Dr. Moreno interviewed with NBC to raise public awareness about the increasing cases of Vibrio vulnificus in several US states. The sharp increase in infections
Our latest PNAS paper is highlighted in St. Jude’s Progress magazine!
July 17, 2025
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Progress magazine features our work on the unique genetic features that make pandemic cholera strains so dangerous to children and
