Characterization of a novel quorum quenching protein produced by S aureus

描述(申请人提供)：首席研究员(Olson博士)，目前是爱荷华大学博士后研究员。他在研究细菌生理学、生物被膜生产和宿主定植因素方面拥有丰富的经验。在接下来的12个月里，他计划在一家主要研究机构获得终身教职，未来的研究重点是了解金黄色葡萄球菌的生理学和发病机制。他的实验室的长期目标将是了解金黄色葡萄球菌定植的分子机制。他的研究兴趣包括了解葡萄球菌如何相互作用以及如何与宿主相互作用。他正在进行的主要项目涉及对金黄色葡萄球菌分泌的一种新的群体猝灭蛋白的表征。目前的工作包括阐明金黄色葡萄球菌能够破坏和改变其他细菌的遗传功能的机制，特别是表皮葡萄球菌。总体而言，了解多个微生物的相互作用和细菌对彼此的影响将被用来深入了解人类的殖民和人类微生物组的动态。这一建议的具体目的是：i)确定群体猝灭蛋白SqqA的范围、广度和分布；ii)确定SqqA干扰表皮葡萄球菌群体感应的机制；以及iii)评估这种多菌相互作用如何调节人类宿主的定植状态。奥尔森博士的研究计划与公共卫生密切相关，因为金黄色葡萄球菌是社区和医院相关感染和死亡的主要原因。拟议项目的发现将增加对金黄色葡萄球菌定植机制的了解，并可能导致预防金黄色葡萄球菌感染的新的治疗选择。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The principle investigator, (Dr. Olson), is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Iowa. He has significant experience studying bacterial physiology, biofilm production and host colonization factors. Within the next 12 months, he plans on obtaining a tenure track academic position at a major research institute with a future research focus on understanding S. aureus physiology and pathogenesis. The long-term objectives of his laboratory will be to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in S. aureus colonization. His research interests involve understanding how the staphylococci interact with each other and with the host. The main project that he is pursuing involves the characterization of a novel quorum-quenching protein that S. aureus secretes. Current work involves elucidating the mechanism by which S. aureus is able to disrupt and alter genetic function of other bacteria, specifically, S. epidermidis. Overall, the understanding polymicrobial interactions and the effects of bacteria have on each other will be used to gain insight into both human colonization and the dynamics of the human microbiome. The specific aims of this proposal are: I) determine the extent, breadth and distribution of the quorum quenching protein, SqqA; II) define the mechanism by which SqqA interferes with S. epidermidis quorum sensing; and III) assess how this polymicrobial interplay modulates the colonization state of the human host. Dr. Olson's research plan has great relevance to public health as S. aureus is a major cause of infection and death in community and hospital associated infections. Findings from the proposed project will increase understanding of S. aureus colonization mechanisms and may lead to new therapeutic options for preventing S. aureus infections.