Analysis of a chemosensory complex that controls twitching motility and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

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.