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Biochemistry Seminar: Prof. Vincent Lee (University of Maryland), "Pseudomonas aeruginosa nucleotide signaling, RNA degradation and device-associated infections"

Event Type
Seminar/Symposium
Sponsor
Department of Biochemistry (HOST: Dr. Joe Sanfilippo)
Location
Charles G. Miller Auditorium, B102 Chemical and Life Science Laboratory
Date
Dec 1, 2023   12:00 pm  
Speaker
Dr. Vincent Lee
Contact
Cara Day
E-Mail
caraday@illinois.edu
Phone
217-333-2013
Views
46
Originating Calendar
Biochemistry Department Seminars
Abstract
Chronic biofilm infections are caused by a set of pathogens commonly referred to as ESKAPE pathogens, which includes Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These pathogens share their ability to form biofilms on medical device surfaces and resist antibiotic therapy. Cyclic-di-GMP is a signaling nucleotide that often promotes biofilm formation in bacteria. Cyclic-di-GMP is maintained in a steady state level by biosynthesis by diguanylate cyclases and linearization into pGpG by phoshpodiesterases. pGpG was recycled into GMP by an unknown enzyme. In this talk, I will discuss our work on understanding the signaling of c-di-GMP through identification of c-di-GMP receptor proteins, how pGpG is specifically degraded by oligoribonuclease (Orn), the structural characteristics of Orn, the basis for Orn essentiality, and how linear dinucleotides can serve as a quality control mechanism in prokaryotic cells. The talk will conclude on recent studies on the ability of P. aeruginosa to cause disease in an animal model of catheter-associated urinary tract infection.
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