My laboratory studies the interactions between bacterial pathogens and the host epithelium. Specifically, we are interested in understanding how Pseudomonas aeruginosa exploits underlying lung dysfunction in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) to establish and maintain chronic lung infection. After CF lung colonization, P. aeruginosa undergoes genetic regulatory changes leading to the formation of antibiotic-resistant biofilms, which persist in the lung for the life of the patient despite aggressive antimicrobial therapy. We have developed a novel system for the development of P. aeruginosa biofilms on human CF-derived airway epithelial cells in vitro. Using this model, we are identifying factors that impact biofilm antibiotic resistance as well as bacterial virulence in the context of CF lung infection. The overall goal of this research is to better understand the nature of chronic infections so that new and better therapies can be developed.
Department of Biology