Dr. Joseph Sorg

Biography

Joseph Sorg is a Professor and Associate Head of Faculty Affairs at Texas A&M University in the College of Arts and Sciences. He joined the Department of Biology in 2010 and has since been actively involved in research focusing on the mechanisms of spore germination and bile acid resistance in Clostridium difficile. Clostridium difficile is a Gram-positive, spore-forming anaerobe that is known to cause infections, especially in individuals who have undergone antibiotic treatments. Sorg's research has established that bile acids can both promote and inhibit the germination of C. difficile spores. These small molecules are produced by the liver to assist with the absorption of fats and cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract, acting as a protective barrier against invading pathogens. His ongoing research is dedicated to identifying the factors and mechanisms that govern the germination process of C. difficile spores, further elucidating how these spores utilize bile acids as cues for germination while adapting to avoid their toxic properties.

Research Interests

Experience