How bacteria communicate to control infections
Bacterial quorum sensing
This work looks at how bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa talk to each other to coordinate actions that can worsen infections, with the aim of finding new ways to stop or weaken them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332699 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team studies chemical and molecular signals bacteria use to sense crowding and coordinate group behaviors that contribute to infection. They focus on the signaling pair types called acyl-homoserine lactone (LuxI) producers and LuxR-type responders and dissect these systems at the chemical, cellular, and genetic levels. The researchers are exploring why bacteria evolved cooperative behaviors and what makes cooperation stable or break down. Findings could point to ways to block bacterial communication as a new anti-virulence approach.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at risk for infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or other bacteria that use quorum sensing would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with infections from bacteria that do not rely on quorum sensing, or those needing immediate clinical interventions, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic lab research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that block bacterial communication to reduce virulence and make infections easier to treat.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies disrupting quorum sensing have shown promise in reducing bacterial virulence, but clinical therapies based on this approach remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greenberg, Everett P — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Greenberg, Everett P
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.