How bacteria sense their surroundings to form protective communities
Probing the role of sensory cues in the regulation of bacterial biofilm development
This research explores how bacteria sense their environment to build protective communities called biofilms, which can make them resistant to medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109702 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the tiny signals bacteria use to decide when and how to form strong, protective communities called biofilms. These biofilms are a major reason why some bacterial infections are so hard to treat, especially those caused by drug-resistant bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We are looking at how bacteria respond to different cues, such as light, available nutrients, and even how many other bacteria are around them. By uncovering these basic mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to disrupt these tough bacterial communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future clinical applications could benefit individuals suffering from chronic or drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Not a fit: Patients not currently affected by bacterial infections or those with infections easily treated by existing antibiotics may not directly benefit from this specific basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating persistent bacterial infections by targeting how biofilms are formed.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific integration of multiple sensory cues in biofilm development is an active area of discovery, the general understanding of bacterial sensing and biofilm formation has seen significant progress in other studies.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mukherjee, Sampriti — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mukherjee, Sampriti
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.