“If we can manipulate bacteria by understanding the chemical signals they use, then we can interfere with the bacteria’s ability to make people sick,” says Michael Federle, assistant professor of medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy and the Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.
to discover new layers and complexities in biology.” The positive momentum delivered credibility and substance, optimism and opportunity. After initially applying for the NIH grant in 2010, Federle resubmitted his application in February 2011. On July 1, he received official word of the honor. “It’s a relief to know I can keep the lab team I’ve assembled together and satisfying as a scientist to know that other people recognize the importance of this work,” he says. With that, his quorum-sensing work continues uninterrupted, a reality Federle’s
⬆ Loner Bacteria (behave as individuals, survive alone)
⬆ Members of a Group (coordinate behaviors, work as a group)
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colleagues applaud. “[Dr. Federle] is such an eager scientist who deeply enjoys what he’s pursuing and is enthusiastic about working with colleagues,” Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology director Dr. Michael Johnson says. “He’s an ideal faculty member—mentoring young scientists, bringing in funding in a competitive environment, and researching fundamental questions.”
Implications for the Pharmaceutical World Johnson terms quorum sensing “one of the frontiers in terms of scientific investigation” and cites Federle’s work as a fundamental inquiry into a complex scientific landscape. “What he’s doing is developing the basic scientific foundations for understanding the mechanisms of biofilm formation,” Johnson says of Federle’s work. “It’s important because a number of his
results might have the potential to spur the development of new therapies.” Biofilms, communities of bacteria that live on a surface, are extremely resistant to antibiotics. Federle’s research explores ways to disrupt biofilms. “If we can interfere with this quorumsensing process, we might be able to disrupt the ability of these bacteria to make biofilms and subsequently become more sensitive to antibiotics,” he says. Mankin believes Federle’s work will lead to a deeper understanding of diseases and, subsequently, how the medical world combats those ailments. “We need to understand how bacteria communicate with one another in the basic, fundamental sense because then we can start asking the larger questions,” Mankin says. Federle’s long-term goal remains to manipulate bacteria that carry health complications. Bacteria enter the body and grow quietly until reaching a certain