Blocking Pseudomonas bacteria communication to reduce harmful infections
A comprehensive investigation of Pseudomonas quorum sensing regulatory relationships and the consequences on quorum sensing inhibitors in complex communities
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11127504
This research looks at stopping the chemical messages Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses to cause disease to help people with multidrug-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127504 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses quorum sensing—chemical signals that control virulence and interactions with other microbes. They will analyze these signaling networks in complex mixed-microbe communities and in infection-like models, using methods such as 16S rRNA sequencing and other genomic profiling. The team will test a lead compound that blocks quorum sensing to see whether it reduces harmful bacterial behaviors and promotes community balance. Work is based at Massachusetts General Hospital with the goal of translating laboratory findings toward therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with current or recurrent infections caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, such as hospital-acquired or chronic respiratory infections.
Not a fit: People without Pseudomonas infections or whose infections are caused by unrelated pathogens are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the severity of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas infections and help restore microbial balance without relying solely on traditional antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: Anti-quorum-sensing strategies have shown promise in laboratory and animal studies but are not yet proven in human clinical trials.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RAHME, LAURENCE G — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: RAHME, LAURENCE G
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.