Understanding how bacteria communicate to form biofilms and affect virulence
Official title: Characterization of the mechanisms underpinning quorum sensing progression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at Wadsworth Center · NIH-11015078 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a common bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa talks to itself to work together and cause infections, and by understanding this communication, we hope to find new ways to stop these bacteria from causing harm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wadsworth Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Menands, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $183,438 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM144361-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015078 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly those with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common bacterial pathogen, uses a communication process called quorum sensing to coordinate group behaviors such as biofilm formation and virulence. By studying the signaling molecules involved in this process, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow bacteria to alter their gene expression in response to their environment. This could lead to insights into how bacterial communities function and how they can be disrupted to combat infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating bacterial infections by targeting their communication systems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial communication systems to disrupt biofilm formation, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Wadsworth Center
Menands, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paczkowski, Jon E — Wadsworth Center
- Study coordinator: Paczkowski, Jon E
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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.