The Intracellular Lifestyle of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The goal of this project is to determine how P. aeruginosa bacteria survive inside corneal epithelial cells, and the necessity for that strategy in the disease process. The data to date show that corneal epithelial cells normally traffic bacteria to intracellular vesicles where they are killed, but P. aeruginosa possesses virulence factors that enable it to bypass this innate defense. Experimental approaches involving biochemical and genetic methods, combined with various images techniques, are being used to describe the details of the intimate interactions between P. aeruginosa and eukaryotic cells. The results will enlighten us about how bacteria cause disease and should also contribute to our understanding of epithelial cell biology.

P. aeruginosa causes sight threatening pathology in the eye and life threatening infections at other sites. These include serious lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis and in AIDS patients, and life theatening skin infections in burns victims. Thus, this line of research could ultimately lead to new means for treating multiple diseases.

Imaging

Early observations of corneal cell invasion drove us to develop video microscopy before it was commonly used.

Yes, the dates set on the VCR are correct!