The Blackwell lab is a leader in the field of quorum sensing
Although bacteria cannot see, hear, speak, or smell, these single-celled organisms can communicate using a language composed of chemical signals. Quorum sensing describes the ability of bacteria to detect and respond to population density: each cell produces a signaling molecule that increases in concentration as the population density increases, allowing individual bacteria to perceive the density of bacteria in their environment based on the concentration of signal. Once the population density increases to a critical level, or a quorum, bacteria transition from an individualistic lifestyle to a multicellular community existence by upregulating group-beneficial behaviors. Diverse bacterial species use quorum sensing to regulate phenotypes such as bioluminescence, secondary metabolite production, competence, sporulation, motility, and others. Pathogenic bacteria use quorum sensing to control the production of virulence factors and the formation of sessile bacterial mats called biofilms that are resistant to antibiotics, whereas nitrogen-fixing bacteria use quorum sensing to regulate symbiosis with plant roots.
The Blackwell lab designs and synthesizes novel chemical tools to decode and interfere with bacterial communication. We use these tools to elucidate the mechanisms by which the bacterial protein receptors that respond to quorum sensing signals trigger changes in gene expression, to study the implications of interspecies chemical communication, and to activate or inhibit bacterial community behaviors controlled by quorum sensing. The antibiotic resistance crisis highlights the need for new approaches to combat pathogenic bacteria. Compounds that intercept quorum sensing pathways can block virulence without causing strong selective pressure for bacteria to develop resistance. Our quorum sensing blockers and activators could someday be used to fight infections, disrupt stubborn biofilms, and encourage desired microbial behaviors.
Major focus areas in our lab include the LuxR/I system in Gram negative bacteria, the Agr system in Gram-positive bacteria, and controlled release/materials applications. Click on the links below to learn more about each area!
