PROTEIN-BIOFILM · Characterization of protein-dependent biofilms by Staphylococcus aureus

Nosocomial staphylococcal foreign-body infections related to biofilm formation are important problem in modern medicine and S. aureus has become one of the most important bacteria responsible for these chronic infections. The formation of adherent, multilayered bacterial biofilms is the most important factor in the pathogenesis of these infections, which regularly fail to respond to appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Given the impressive array of surface proteins expressed by S. aureus, it seems reasonable that some of them might be involved in biofilm development either in cooperation or independently of PIA/PNAG. Increasing number of evidences suggest the existence of protein dependent biofilm development on clinical isolates of S. aureus. The general objectives of my research proposal are to identify and characterize proteins involved in biofilm formation. The identification of novel biofilm therapeutic and preventive targets would aid in the development of new and more effective treatments for combating staphylococcal proteinaceous-building biofilm associated infections.