Modulation of bacterial adherence in infective endocarditis: impact of bacterial surface molecules and underlying tissues used in right ventricular outflow tract valve replacement

KU Leuven , 1 or 2 semesters
Patients after valve replacement are susceptible for infective endocarditis (IE) which is characterized as a multistep event involving bacterial surface-bound adhesive molecules that interact with various host’s extracellular matrix proteins.
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Modulation of bacterial adherence in infective endocarditis
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These surface components account for the species and strain dependent propensity of the microorganisms (S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. sanguis) to colonize the host endovascular surfaces. We plan to investigate if the underlying tissue used for valve replacement has variable propensity to recruit bacteria and inflammatory cells facilitating IE at the conduit side. As a novel approach, we will investigate different conduit tissues ex vivo under shear stress conditions. Experiments focus on the bacterial adhesion and adhesion of thrombocytes to the various tissues. In addition, we will evaluate the effect of drugs blocking platelet aggregation or thrombin formation for their protective effect since recent studies give evidence that these substances are capable to reduce bacterial adhesion and vegetation formation.

  • Number of placements available: 1 per semester.

Prerequisites

  • High level undergraduate student.
  • Minimum GPA 3.4

Faculty department

Faculty of Medicine / Department of Cardiovascular Developmental Biology.

The research project is situated in the Department of Cardiovascular Development in cooperation with the Center of Molecular and Vascular Biology (CMVB, KU Leuven).  Research on the crosstalk between coagulation and infection is a major subject of interest. Recent work focused on the role of platelet activation and other different pathways of activation of coagulation initiated by S. Aureus

Ongoing investigations state the importance of single fibronectin binding regions of the FnBPA molecule as pathways to evoke inflammation under shear stress. The planned research continues on investigations of bacterial adhesion to different tissues used in valve replacement. The project will be supervised by an experienced Post-Doc. The laboratory has all facilities for cell and bacterial cultures as well as actual microscopy facilities. 

Research presentation by Helena (University of Kentucky)

Research presentation by Helena (University of Kentucky)

Learn more about Helena's research project: Identifying the extracellular matrix genes associated with re-endothelialization in aortic and pulmonary valves

Read more