Characterization of Amyloid Fibril Regulators
Faculty Mentor
Zaara Sarwar
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-14-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
4-14-2026 1:30 PM
Location
PUB NCR
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of hospital acquired infections. This bacterium is well known for its ability to form surface associated communities known as biofilms. The biofilm acts as a physical barrier, providing structural stability and adhesion to surfaces. It also hinders the penetration of antibiotics and other substances, making infections extremely difficult to treat. Further understanding of biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa is critical to developing effective strategies to combat these infections. In P. aeruginosa, the extracellular matrix of its biofilm has been found to contain functional amyloid proteins (Fap), which create amyloid fibrils that contribute to the structural and adhesional support of the biofilm. Fap production is a regulated process, but it is currently unknown what specific factors might activate or inhibit this process. Our goal is to identify the regulatory networks that control the expression of the Fap proteins. Our results will provide valuable information for developing effective therapeutic strategies to treat antibiotic resistant infections.
Recommended Citation
Jackson, Jordan, "Characterization of Amyloid Fibril Regulators" (2026). 2026 Symposium. 15.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2026/ps_2026/p2_2026/15
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Characterization of Amyloid Fibril Regulators
PUB NCR
The opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of hospital acquired infections. This bacterium is well known for its ability to form surface associated communities known as biofilms. The biofilm acts as a physical barrier, providing structural stability and adhesion to surfaces. It also hinders the penetration of antibiotics and other substances, making infections extremely difficult to treat. Further understanding of biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa is critical to developing effective strategies to combat these infections. In P. aeruginosa, the extracellular matrix of its biofilm has been found to contain functional amyloid proteins (Fap), which create amyloid fibrils that contribute to the structural and adhesional support of the biofilm. Fap production is a regulated process, but it is currently unknown what specific factors might activate or inhibit this process. Our goal is to identify the regulatory networks that control the expression of the Fap proteins. Our results will provide valuable information for developing effective therapeutic strategies to treat antibiotic resistant infections.
