Dr. Xiujun Yu

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Xiujun Yu's research focuses on the interaction of Salmonella Typhimurium with mammalian host cells, particularly within acidic membrane-bound compartments known as Salmonella-containing vacuoles (SCVs). The research delves into the type III secretion apparatus (T3SA) encoded by Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI-2), which is essential for the bacteria to modulate the host immune response. One area of interest is the formation of a translocon pore in the SCV membrane, which involves a regulatory complex comprising SsaL, SsaM, and SpiC. Once this translocon pore is established, the neutral pH of the host cell's cytosol is detected by the bacterium, which leads to a disassembly of the SsaL/SsaM/SpiC complex. This dissociation is hypothesized to facilitate the secretion of effector proteins into the host cell, enabling Salmonella to manipulate host cell functions. Yu aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which the neutral pH of host cell cytosol is sensed and how Signal transduction occurs on the bacterial side, as well as how acidic pH initiates the assembly of the SPI-2 T3SA.

Research Interests

Requirements for Imperial College London

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:125
Overall
Required:125
Prerequisites
Materials Science Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Physics Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Personal statement
  • CV/resume
  • Official university transcripts
  • Two academic or professional references
  • Application fee (£90)
Specialization Notes

Specialisms available in Materials for the Energy Transition or Theory and Simulation of Materials.