Daniel J. Hassett, PhD
Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology
University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
Cincinnati, Ohio

Presentation Title
Anaerobic killing of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa by acidified nitrite derivatives under cystic fibrosis airway conditions (Summary of Presentation)

Daniel J. Hassett, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He has published nearly 100 manuscripts relating to research on microbial pathogenesis. His primary research interest, however, is the pathogenic bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This organism is uniquely associated with high morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and is one of the most frequently encountered opportunistic pathogens in hospitals and clinics around the globe. During chronic CF airway disease, the organism generates a viscous exopolysaccharide called alginate that is harmful to the patient since its production affords these organisms (i) resistance to antibiotics and human phagocytes and (ii) impairs oxygen transport to human airway cells. His current research is designed to elucidate the potential control of alginate production by specific mutations acquired in the lung. In February of 2006, Dr. Hassett’s group published a break-through paper in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Investigation demonstrating that a common food preservative, sodium nitrite, can kill mucoid P. aeruginosa by overproduction of a gas, nitric oxide (NO). He also showed that the level of nitrite used is also not toxic to human airway epithelial cells. The paper received world-wide recognition in such acclaimed media including BBC, Reuters News, Bloomberg, NPR and New Scientist. A company has already been formed to use sodium nitrite as an antimicrobial agent for treatment of CF airway infections but also for treatment of CF pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).