Ann E. Stapleton, MD

Research in the lab is focused on the pathogenesis of Escherichia coli urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially how probiotic or resident vaginal lactobacilli help protect against these infections and the role of caveolae and glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in UTI. Since the vaginal epithelium is a key staging area for uropathogenic E. coli, which colonize this mucosa and the periurethra prior to causing UTI, one area of investigation is vaginal physiology at baseline and near the time of UTI. We are conducting a clinical study of a probiotic lactobacillus in preventing UTI among healthy pre-menopausal women. Related lab studies include the roles of resident commensal and probiotic lactobacilli in the pathogenesis of UTI, using a model of cultured primary vaginal epithelial cells, also developed in the lab, as well as clinical and probiotic Lactobacillus isolates and clinical measures in the probiotic trial. We are also studying how E. coli invade bladder epithelium via caveolae, using a model of cultured primary bladder epithelium developed in the lab and characterized with respect to GSLs.

Projects include:

1. Studies of cranberry products as a means of preventing UTI, including in vitro and clinical studies.
2. Studies of the molecular epidemiology of E. coli virulence determinants in various populations.

We collaborate with several University of Washington colleagues including Drs. Steve Moseley, David Fredricks, Delia Scholes, and Tom Hawn. Outside the University, we work with Drs. Anthony Atala, Wake Forest University; Thomas ("Mac") Hooton, University of Miami; Harry Mobley, University of Michigan; and Soman Abraham, Duke University.