Grant: Project Grant

Polyphosphates are considered to be ancient molecules found in the cells of all organisms on earth - from bacteria to humans, and everywhere in between. They are very simple, made of repeating building blocks called inorganic phosphates. They can be short (3 phosphates), or very long (1000s of phosphates). Evidence suggests that bacteria use polyphosphates to protect themselves from stress. This is different than the "stress" we associate with everyday life. But, similar to our own stress, it can cause problems for the bacteria. Protection mechanisms help the bacteria to infect our cells and cause disease. In this exciting new project, we will figure out how polyphosphates protect bacteria from stress by focusing on new functions for this interesting molecule. Specifically, we are interested in the way that polyphosphate interacts with proteins that are important for bacterial survival. Our work employs cutting edge techniques that allow us to look directly at proteins from the bacteria. We have established collaborations with experts in biochemistry and microbiology, both within Canada and from the United States. These collaborations will facilitate completion of our objectives in a timely manner. In the long term, our work will reveal new targets for therapeutic intervention.