Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE140100963 [ 2014 - 2016 ]

Research Grant

Researchers Dr Claudia Trappetti;

Brief description Bacteria survive in their environmental niches by development of complex multicellular communities (biofilms), not by operating as individuals. Communication between bacteria is critical for biofilm formation, and is linked to their capacity to exchange DNA within and between species (competence). This is achieved by secretion and detection of small chemical signalling molecules (quorum sensing). Two such systems operate in the pneumococcus, a model Gram-positive organism. This project aims to elucidate the mechanism whereby these quorum sensing systems interact and collaborate to regulate biofilm formation and competence, phenotypes critical for bacterial survival. This knowledge will enable future development of novel antimicrobials.

Funding Amount 395220

Funding Scheme Discovery Early Career Researcher Award