How bacteria sense their surroundings to cause infections
Finding the way: Sensory adaptation during bacterial mechanotransduction
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11081048
This research aims to understand how bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa sense their environment and adapt, which could help us find new ways to fight serious infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11081048 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Bacteria have a clever way of remembering their surroundings, called sensory adaptation, which helps them survive and cause infections. This project focuses on how bacteria sense physical contact, a process called mechanosensing, which is crucial for them to stick to surfaces and cause illness. We are looking closely at Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common cause of severe, drug-resistant infections, to understand how it uses this sensing ability. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to discover new strategies to disrupt bacterial infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not involve direct patient participation but aims to benefit patients suffering from severe bacterial infections, especially those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Not a fit: Patients not currently affected by bacterial infections, or those whose infections are not caused by the specific mechanisms being studied, may not see direct or immediate benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new approaches for developing anti-bacterial agents and combating antibiotic resistance, particularly for infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
How similar studies have performed: While sensory adaptation is known in some bacterial systems, its role in mechanosensing and the specific Pil-Chp system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is largely unexplored, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ENGEL, JOANNE N. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: ENGEL, JOANNE N.
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.