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Norma W. Andrews

 

Microbiology; Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics & Development

Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis and Cell Biology

Education

B.S. University of Sao Paulo, Brazil 1977
Ph.D. University of Sao Paulo, Brazil 1983

Research Interests

We are interested in the molecular strategies utilized by intracellular pathogens to interact with host cells, and on fundamental cell biological processes that are subverted by pathogens during infection. Our studies of host cell invasion by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi uncovered a novel process of Ca2+-regulated fusion of lysosomes with the plasma membrane. Current projects study the molecular mechanisms regulating Ca2+-triggered exocytosis of lysosomes in mammalian cells, and the role of this pathway in the repair of plasma membrane wounds, phagocytosis, and as an innate mechanism for limiting the intracellular growth of bacterial pathogens. We are also actively investigating molecular mechanisms used by the protozoan parasite Leishmania to survive and replicate within host cell phagolysosomes.

Recent Publications

• Huynh, C., Sacks, D.L., and Andrews, N.W. (2006). A Leishmania amazonensis ZIP family iron transporter is essential for parasite replication within macrophage phagolysosomes. J. Exp. Med. 203:2363-2375.
• Czibener, C., Sherer, N.M., Mothes, W., and Andrews, N.W. (2006). Ca2+ and Synaptotagmin VII-dependent delivery of lysosomal membrane to nascent phagosomes. J. Cell Biol. 174:997-1007.

Contact

E-mail
norma.andrews@yale.edu