The main research goal in the Hultgren lab is to understand urinary tract infections (UTI) so that we may develop improved treatments for this common disease. We use a blend of many techniques, including microbial genetics; molecular biology; biochemistry; protein crystallography; immunology; animal models of pathogenesis; proteomics; and functional genomics to study UTIs. The major themes and projects in the lab are detailed in the links below.
Pathogenic cascade of E. Coli UTI
Using our mouse model of a urinary tract infection (UTI), we have established a pathogenic cascade describing the sequence of events that occur during a UTI. Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) bind and invade the superficial cells of the bladder epithelium by means of type 1 pili. Once inside, the bacteria multiply forming biofilms inside the bladder cells. Eventually UPEC establishes a quiescent reservoir in the bladder from which they can reactivate to cause a recurrence of symptoms. Click for more details.
Host responses to E. Coli UTI
The mammalian response to E. coli in the urinary tract includes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-8. The latter molecule is key to attracting neutrophils to the site of infection. Bladder epithelial cells utilize Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and CD14 to respond to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the surfaces of uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). The interactions between UPEC and elements of the innate immune response determine the outcome of an infection. Click for more details.
Enterococcal UTI pathogenesis
Enterococcus faecalis is a Gram-positive, drug resistant bacterium that is a common cause of nosocomial infection. Using a newly developed mouse model of infection, factors involved in the pathogenesis of this organism are being defined. Click for more details.