Autoinducer molecule
AssigneesUniversity of Iowa Research Foundation, University of Rochester, Ithaca College
InventorsJames P. Pearson, Kendall M. Gray, Luciano Passador, Kenneth D. Tucker, Anatol Eberhard, Barbara H. Iglewski, Everett P. Greenberg
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Abstract
Autoinducer molecules, e.g., N-(3-oxododecanoyl)homoserine lactone, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa are described. The molecules regulate gene expression in the bacterium. Therapeutic compositions and therapeutic methods involving analogs and/or inhibitors of the autoinducer molecules also are described. The molecules are useful for treating or preventing infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Claims22
A method of selecting inhibitors of an autoinducer molecule of Pseudomonas aeruginosa comprising:
- contacting the autoinducer molecule with a suspected inhibitor;
- measuring the ability of the treated autoinducer molecule to stimulate the activity of LasR;
- determining whether the suspected inhibitor inhibits the ability of the autoinducer molecule to stimulate the activity of LasR;
- and
- selecting the suspected inhibitors that inhibit the autoinducer molecule.
A method of selecting synergists of an autoinducer molecule of Pseudomonas aeruginosa comprising:
- contacting the autoinducer molecule with a suspected synergist;
- measuring the ability of the treated autoinducer molecule to stimulate the activity of LasR;
- determining whether the suspected synergist enhances the ability of the autoinducer molecule to stimulate the activity of LasR;
- and
- selecting the suspected synergists that enhance the activity of the autoinducer molecule.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.