Dr. Junjie Zhang

Seminar Details

Host: Dr. Xiuren Zhang

Time: 4:00-5:00 pm

Location: BCBP Rm 107

Seminar Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are part of the ESKAPE pathogens, known for their resistance to multiple antibiotics, including last-resort treatments like carbapenems. These bacteria thrive in hospital settings and can infect individuals with weakened immune systems. Their worldwide dissemination spreads antibiotic-resistance genes, hindering efforts to control and treat infections. Both P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii utilize surface pili for movement and gene transfer. We recently discovered that small RNA bacteriophages can bind and eliminate these pili. Our recent work reveals how these phages interact with type IV pili in P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacters, providing a novel approach to reducing bacterial virulence. Additionally, guided by structural biology, we have designed novel inhibitors targeting other drug-resistant bacteria of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Clostridioides difficile.