The Elasri laboratory focuses on global gene regulation in Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus uses a complex network of regulators to modulate biofilm development, virulence, and antibiotic tolerance. We are studying how global regulators interact with various virulence genes to ensure survival of S. aureus in the host. We are particularly interested in the msaABCR operon and its role in S. aureus metabolic adaptation, antibiotic persistence, stress and host interaction. We are also targeting the global regulator MsaB protein to inhibit its activity by small molecules and potentially develop new therapeutic agents to address antibiotic resistance in staph infections.