Joseph Boll

Associate Professor - Biological Sciences

We are focused on understanding mechanisms that contribute to antibiotic treatment failure and developing alternative strategies to combat "superbugs".

9728836529
FO 3.401
Boll group website
ORCID

Professional Preparation

Postdoctoral - Microbiology/Synthetic Biology
University of Texas at Austin - 2017

PhD - Molecular Biosciences (Microbiology)
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - 2013

BSc - Microbiology
Texas Tech University - 2007

Research Areas

Understanding how Gram-negative bacteria survive without lipopolysaccharide

This research topic focused on how Acinetobacter baumannii, which is a nosocomial pathogen, inactivates lipooligosaccharide (LOS) production to develop resistance to colistin, which is the last-line treatment against multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Using high-throughput sequencing, lipidomics, and mass spectrometry we found that the outer membrane is remodeled when LOS is not made. Specifically, a compensatory mutation of the class A penicillin-binding protein, PBP1A is required for A. baumannii survival without lipid A. My research group is currently working to elucidate the cell wall modifications that support Gram-negative survival without lipid A.

Characterizing chemical modifications that promote antimicrobial resistance in nosocomial Gram-negative pathogens:

Bacteria remodel their surface with chemical moieties to fortify the barrier and protect the cell from toxins, such as antimicrobials. We recently found that some Gram-negative "superbigs" modify the lipid A portion of lipopolysaccharide with aminoarabinose to induce cationic antimicrobial peptide heteroresistance and beta-lactam tolerance. The chemical modification is regulated by the PhoPQ two-component system. Furthermore, we have characterized various modifications that lead to antimicrobial resistant in other Gram-negative bacteria.

Publications

PBP1A directly interacts with the divisome complex to promote septal peptidoglycan synthesis in Acinetobacter baumannii 2022 - Other

Peptidoglycan Recycling Promotes Outer Membrane Integrity and Carbapenem Tolerance in Acinetobacter baumannii. 2022 - Journal Article

In Mycobacterium abscessus , the Stringent Factor Rel Regulates Metabolism but Is Not the Only (p)ppGpp Synthase 2022 - Journal Article

High-level carbapenem tolerance requires antibiotic-induced outer membrane modifications. 2022 - Journal Article

PBP1A Directly Interacts with the Divisome Complex to Promote Septal Peptidoglycan Synthesis in Acinetobacter baumannii 2022 - Journal Article

A nematode-derived, mitochondrial stress signaling-regulated peptide exhibits broad antibacterial activity. 2021 - Journal Article

Septal Class A Penicillin-Binding Protein Activity and ld -Transpeptidases Mediate Selection of Colistin-Resistant Lipooligosaccharide-Deficient Acinetobacter baumannii 2021 - Journal Article

High-level carbapenem tolerance requires antibiotic-induced outer membrane modifications 2021 - Other

Presentations

Molecular interactions between peptidoglycan maintenance and outer membrane lipid asymmetry in Acinetobacter baumannii.

2023/06 13th International Symposium on the Biology of Acinetobacter

A molecular basis for antibiotic treatment failure in carbapenem susceptible Gram-negative bacteria

2023/06 Houston Methodist Research Institute - Gulf Coast Consortia

Molecular factors that promote antibiotic treatment failure in Gram-negative infections

2023/04 UT Health Houston

The molecular basis for antibiotic treatment failure

2023/03 Texas Women’s University

Affiliations

mBio

Junior Editorial Board Member

Funding

Reinforcing the barrier: Understanding how cell envelope modifications promote intrinsic antimicrobial tolerance and resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii

- NIH/NIGMS [2021/07–2026/04]

R35GM143053