Project 171692

A novel pathway of PI(3,4)P2/PI(3,4,5)P3 production initiated by a bacterial phosphatase

171692

A novel pathway of PI(3,4)P2/PI(3,4,5)P3 production initiated by a bacterial phosphatase

$351,642
Project Information
Study Type: Other Mechanistic_Study
Therapeutic Area: Infectious_Disease
Research Theme: Biomedical
Disease Area: Salmonella infection, cancer, bipolar disorder, Type 2 diabetes
Data Type: Canadian
Institution & Funding
Principal Investigator(s): Brumell, John H
Institution: Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto)
CIHR Institute: Infection and Immunity
Program: Operating Grant
Peer Review Committee: Microbiology & Infectious Diseases
Competition Year: 2008
Term: 3 yrs 0 mth
Abstract Summary

Some bacteria have the remarkable ability to invade our cells and replicate within them during infection. Such bacteria use special toxins to alter the control systems of our cells. These toxins cause drastic changes to the membranes of our cells, forcing them to internalize the bacteria and in the process providing them with a specialized compartment that allows the microorganisms to replicate inside our cells. Salmonella, best known for its ability to cause 'food poisoning', is one type of bacteria that can parasitize our cells in this manner. In this study we will examine how a Salmonella toxin, called SopB, can alter cellular membranes to invade our cells. The membrane alterations caused by SopB are related to those that occur during other human diseases, including cancer, bipolar disorder and Type 2 diabetes. Therefore these studies will provide a new fundamental understanding not only of bacterial infection but also of other human diseases, possibly allowing the development of new treatments.

Research Characteristics

This project includes the following research characteristics:

Comorbidity Focus
Knowledge Translation Focus
Biomarker Endpoints
Study Justification

"In this study we will examine how a Salmonella toxin, called SopB, can alter cellular membranes to invade our cells."

Novelty Statement

"The membrane alterations caused by SopB are related to those that occur during other human diseases, including cancer, bipolar disorder and Type 2 diabetes. Therefore these studies will provide a new fundamental understanding not only of bacterial infection but also of other human diseases, possibly allowing the development of new treatments."

Methodology Innovation

investigating the molecular mechanism of the Salmonella toxin SopB in altering host cell membranes

Keywords
Confocal Microscopy Lipid Biochemistry Membrane Trafficking Phosphoinositide Signaling Pi3-Kinase Salmonella Infection