A newly discovered molecular switch in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Characterization of a novel post-transcriptional regulator in P. aeruginosa
This project looks at how a newly discovered bacterial protein called PhaF controls Pseudomonas aeruginosa behavior, which matters for people with cystic fibrosis and hospital infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291869 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map which bacterial RNAs and genes are directly controlled by the PhaF protein in a standard lab strain and in clinical P. aeruginosa isolates. They will test PhaF activity during different growth phases and under conditions that mimic infection, and they will look for its targets in an animal model of chronic infection. The team will also test whether PhaF affects biofilm formation and virulence by manipulating its targets. Results will clarify how PhaF controls behaviors that make Pseudomonas hard to treat.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections—especially those with cystic fibrosis, chronic wounds, or hospital-acquired pneumonia—are the most relevant patient group for this research.
Not a fit: Patients without Pseudomonas infections or those whose illnesses are caused by other microbes are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to disrupt Pseudomonas virulence or biofilms and lead to therapies that help people with cystic fibrosis and other chronic Pseudomonas infections.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work linking RNA-binding proteins like Hfq and RsmA to Pseudomonas virulence supports the approach, but PhaF is a newly identified regulator and is less well studied.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dove, Simon L — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dove, Simon L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.