Daniel Wozniak

About

Biography

The major goal of my laboratory is to understand the molecular biology and pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus which are important human pathogens. Our research has centered on several key areas:

1. Coordinate regulation of virulence gene expression
2. Biofilm formation and pathogenesis
3. Experimental therapeutics to combat infections
4. Animal models of chronic infection
5. Defining patho-adaptive processes and evolution of bacteria during infection

Most chronic and recurrent human bacterial infections involve biofilms and treatment of these diseases cost the U.S. health care system billions of dollars annually. Bacteria within a biofilm demonstrate a substantially increased resistance to effectors of both innate and acquired immunity as well as to the action of antimicrobials. In collaboration with scientists at University of Washington and Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, we are exploiting the activity of enzymes that can break down the matrix allowing cells normally resistant to therapies to become more amenable to treatment. In addition our studies with Medimmune seek to use human monoclonal antibodies that target one biofilm matrix component in treatments of patients colonized with biofilm forming bacteria. Finally, we are working with colleagues in the OSU Comprehensive Wound Care Center to implement new therapies aimed at disrupting biofilms in patients with chronic wounds.

Credentials

Research

News and media

My news coverage

• August MedTips: Awards and Announcements
• Ohio State Researchers Receive $2.1M to Study Wound Care Treatment