How Pseudomonas bacteria use sticky sugars on their surface
Molecular determinants and functions of bacterial polysaccharide cellular localization
Researchers will look at how Pseudomonas aeruginosa makes and holds different forms of sticky sugars that help it build protective biofilms, with the goal of helping people who get chronic lung or wound infections from this bug.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11291801 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists will grow Pseudomonas bacteria in the lab and separate the sticky sugar polymers that stay attached to bacterial cells from those released into the surrounding material. They will use chemical analyses, imaging, and genetic approaches to compare sizes and chemical modifications of these polymers and to test bacterial systems (like the Sia pathway and c-di-GMP signaling) that control where the sugars sit. The team will also use cell models of lung tissue to see how surface-bound versus released sugars change bacterial attachment and persistence. All experiments are laboratory-based on bacterial strains and cell models to identify molecular targets for future treatments that could break up protective biofilms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections (for example, certain cystic fibrosis lung infections or long-standing wound infections) are the kinds of patients who might benefit from future therapies based on this research.
Not a fit: Patients without Pseudomonas infections or those needing immediate clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to disrupt Pseudomonas biofilms and improve treatments for chronic infections in lungs and wounds.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown Psl and Pel polymers help form biofilms and increase tolerance to antibiotics, but directly comparing chemical forms and cell-associated versus released variants is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parsek, Matthew R. — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Parsek, Matthew 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.