Analysis Of A Chemosensory Complex That Controls Twitching Motility And Virulence In Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$346,250.00
Summary
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium which causes serious life-threatening infections of individuals with cystic fibrosis, AIDS or who have suffered severe burns or are undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Infection by this pathogen requires the controlled expression of a large number of virulence factors including extracellular enzyme, toxins and structures for the attachment and colonisation of host tissues. We have identified a complex multicomponent regulatory system which coordinates the ....Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium which causes serious life-threatening infections of individuals with cystic fibrosis, AIDS or who have suffered severe burns or are undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Infection by this pathogen requires the controlled expression of a large number of virulence factors including extracellular enzyme, toxins and structures for the attachment and colonisation of host tissues. We have identified a complex multicomponent regulatory system which coordinates the expression of many of the virulence determinants of this pathogen. This project aims to dissect the intermolecular interactions and signalling events which input into, occur within, and output from this regulatory system. This knowledge will provide a platform for developing rational strategies for the production of new antimicrobials for fighting infections by this and related pathogens.Read moreRead less
Identification Of Proteins Specific To Transmissible Pseudomonas Aeruginosa In Cystic Fibrosis Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,007.00
Summary
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive disorder in humans, affecting 1:2000 people. Mortality is often caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections which have recently been shown to occur not only environmentally but also via person-person contact, usually during CF clinic visits. This project will elucidate the molecular traits responsible for these 'epidemic' P. aeruginosa infections, with the aim of finding novel therapeutics and infection control strategies.