How Pseudomonas aeruginosa reorganizes its DNA to survive and cause lung infections
Investigating the chromatin remodeling functions of polyphosphate condensates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Looks at whether phosphate-rich granules in Pseudomonas aeruginosa change how bacterial DNA is packaged and help the bug survive and worsen lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330588 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective: researchers will grow Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lab and create bacterial strains that alter polyphosphate granules and the AlgP DNA-binding protein. They will measure bacterial gene activity, observe how DNA is organized, and test signs of virulence and stress survival under conditions meant to mimic the cystic fibrosis lung. Comparisons between normal and modified bacteria will show whether polyphosphate granules remodel bacterial chromatin and drive infection-related behaviors. This work is lab- and model-based rather than a patient trial.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for follow-up studies would be people with cystic fibrosis who have chronic or recurrent Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections.
Not a fit: People without Pseudomonas infections or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic-lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new bacterial weaknesses that lead to therapies that prevent or weaken Pseudomonas infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked polyphosphate to stress survival and virulence in bacteria, but using polyphosphate condensates to show chromatin remodeling in P. aeruginosa is a relatively new idea.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Racki, Lisa R — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Racki, Lisa R
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.