Martin F. Semmelhack, Princeton University
Professor
Princeton, New Jersey
mfshack@princeton.edu
Office:
(609) 258-5501
Expert In
Bio/Research
The theme of our research is the design, synthesis and evaluation of small molecules involved in biological processes. The projects proceed as a team effort, with close collaboration among chemists, biochemists and biologists.
A current area of emphasis is the phenomenon of “quorum sens...
Click to Expand >>
A current area of emphasis is the phenomenon of “quorum sens...
Click to Expand >>
Bio/Research
The theme of our research is the design, synthesis and evaluation of small molecules involved in biological processes. The projects proceed as a team effort, with close collaboration among chemists, biochemists and biologists.
A current area of emphasis is the phenomenon of “quorum sensing” in bacteria. Quorum sensing is a process of bacterial cell–cell communication that enables populations of cells to carry out behaviors in unison. It involves detection of the cell density-dependent accumulation of extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers that elicit population-wide changes in gene expression. In major human pathogens, such as Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphlococcus aureus, quorum sensing controls virulence. This raises the possibility that small molecules that influence quorum sensing could be used to control virulence and suggests a new approach for development of anti-infective drugs.
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A current area of emphasis is the phenomenon of “quorum sensing” in bacteria. Quorum sensing is a process of bacterial cell–cell communication that enables populations of cells to carry out behaviors in unison. It involves detection of the cell density-dependent accumulation of extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers that elicit population-wide changes in gene expression. In major human pathogens, such as Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphlococcus aureus, quorum sensing controls virulence. This raises the possibility that small molecules that influence quorum sensing could be used to control virulence and suggests a new approach for development of anti-infective drugs.
Click to Shrink <<