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Investigation On Bacterial Signaling Through Generation Of A Ppgpp Biosensor, Andrew Robinson
Investigation On Bacterial Signaling Through Generation Of A Ppgpp Biosensor, Andrew Robinson
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) is a bacterial signaling molecule involved in activating the stringent response, a cellular reaction to environmental stress that downregulates cell division and metabolism processes to conserve nutrients. The stringent response is implicated in some instances of antibiotic persistence, so broadening the current understanding of ppGpp signaling is useful. This thesis seeks to generate a ppGpp biosensor that will bind ppGpp and emit fluorescent light in its presence, which will allow for improved research into the pathways and functions of the signaling molecule. To generate a novel ppGpp biosensor, I converted a biosensor previously used to detect cyclic …
Genetic Characterization Of A Klebsiella Pneumoniae Secreted Anti-Microbial Protein, Ethan Becker
Genetic Characterization Of A Klebsiella Pneumoniae Secreted Anti-Microbial Protein, Ethan Becker
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria are a major source of ailment in modern-day nosocomial settings, with numerous risks including leading to possible further drug resistance or spreading to those who cannot fight off the infection due to immune suppression or dysfunction. Previous work in our laboratory has determined that Klebsiella pneumoniae possesses inhibitory effects on the growth of a variety of bacteria that contain antimicrobial-resistant properties in the Enterobacteriaceae family, a major source of nosocomial antimicrobial-resistance. This novel property of K. pneumoniae inhibits the growth of Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Enterobacter cloacae through an anti-microbial protein. The antimicrobial protein secreted from K. …
Cyclic-Di-Gmp-Binding Proteins Regulate Acinetobacter Baumannii Motility, Gabriel Smith
Cyclic-Di-Gmp-Binding Proteins Regulate Acinetobacter Baumannii Motility, Gabriel Smith
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Acinetobacter baumannii is a prevalent nosocomial pathogen where, like many other infectious bacteria, A. baumannii is increasingly considered a multi-drug resistant pathogen. This research study was designed to find a way to affect the persistence of A. baumannii such that it can be applied to a hospital setting to prevent further nosocomial infections. One regulatory mechanism potentially used by A. baumannii to persist on hospital surfaces is through the use of the bacterial second messenger cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP). This nucleotide signal is regulated in response to environmental conditions, and then activates c-di-GMP-binding proteins that induce phenotypic changes. One c-di-GMP-regulated phenotype is …