Host-Pathogen interactions
Our Focus
01
Development of CRISPR
screening technologies
02
Bacterial toxins and
other virulence factors
03
Bacteria-nematode
interactions
Using existing and developing novel CRISPR-based screening approaches to understand how bacteria invade hosts and cause disease
Elucidating mechanisms of bacterial toxin and virulence factor interactions with and within host cells
Understanding how certain bacteria colonize nematode guts and, in some cases, kill them
We let our curiosity guide us to better understand nature, while striving to make a positive impact on society
Our Team
Gedas Drabavicius, PhD
Group Leader
I have a dual PhD degree from Vilnius University and KU Leuven in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences. I have, then, spent about 4.5 years as a postdoc in New York Genome Center and The Rockefeller University. My current main interests in science are host-pathogen interactions and CRISPR screening. Outside of work, I love lifting, long walks, and talking about the life, the universe, and everything. Also, rats are the best pets.
Aušrinė Junčytė
Laboratory Technician
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Genetics and completed my internship in a Molecular Neuro-Oncology laboratory. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Molecular Biotechnology. After my Bachelor's studies, I worked at the biotechnology company Celltechna in the protein and plasmid purification laboratory. I am communicative and active, and I enjoy interacting with people. In my free time, I like traveling, spending time outdoors with my dog, and reading books.
Goda Glebavičiūtė
MSc Student
I completed a bachelor‘s degree in Molecular Biotechnology at Vilnius University, and am currently pursuing my master’s degree in Medical Biology. Outside of my studies, I enjoy dancing and skiing during the winter season.
Aušra Marčiulionytė
MSc Student
I graduated from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences with a degree in Medical and Veterinary Genetics and I am currently pursuing degree in Medical Biology.
I am fantasy books reader, puzzle solver and puzzle maker, games enthusiast with a soft spot for fencing and Japanese culture. I play the piano and classical guitar, having completed formal training at a music school.
Lavinia Giubilei
MD Student
I am currently a fourth year medical student with a strong interest in cancer biology and translational research. Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, and crocheting. Having lived in four different countries, I am open-minded and naturally curious.
Thea Eleftheriou
MD Student
I am currently a fourth year medical student, with plans to specialize in pediatrics. My interest in CRISPR stems from ethical considerations surrounding gene editing and its potential impact on future medical treatments. Outside of my studies, I enjoy painting, running, and reading.
Our Papers
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Hart, S. K., Müller, S., Wessels, H. H., Méndez-Mancilla, A., Drabavicius, G., Choi, O., & Sanjana, N. E. (2025). Precise RNA targeting with CRISPR–Cas13d. Nature Biotechnology, 1-6.
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Drabavicius, G. & D. Daelemans (2021). Intermedilysin cytolytic activity depends on heparan sulfates and membrane composition PLoS genetics, 17(2), e1009387.
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Wilkinson, M., Drabavicius, G., Silanskas, A., Gasiunas, G., Siksnys, V., & Wigley, D. B. (2019). Structure of the DNA-bound spacer capture complex of a type II CRISPR-Cas system. Molecular cell, 75(1), 90-101.
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Drabavicius, G., Sinkunas, T., Silanskas, A., Gasiunas, G., Venclovas, Č., & Siksnys, V. (2018). DnaQ exonuclease‐like domain of Cas2 promotes spacer integration in a type I‐E CRISPR‐Cas system. EMBO reports 19(7), e45543
The Drab Lab papers
Working on it
Pre-Drab Lab papers
Contact Us
Address
Medical Sciences Center
Žaliųjų ežerų g. 2
LT - 08422, Vilnius, Lithuania
Contact
+370-617-15238