Dr. Kathleen Tallman, Lecturer

Dr. Tallman is teaching the summer session of General Human Anatomy, IB 131/L. Her research focuses on biofilm formation and host interactions.

Biofilms and Cystic Fibrosis

Biofilms are microcolonies of bacteria that grow and form three-dimensional structures which secrete a polysaccharide matrix. Normal healthy humans can fight off biofilm growth, but some cystic fibrosis patients cannot. The lungs of these individuals have developed biofilms, and although cystic fibrosis patients can live with active biofilms for many years, the polysaccharide matrix secreted by the biofilms makes them resistant to antibiotics. The biofilms and the immune response to the bacteria eventually destroy lung tissue, leading to the patient's death.

HeLa cell cultured with PAO1, a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa after 7 days. The black areas found on top of the remains of the HeLa cells may be a biofilm.

Cell Cultures & Biofilm Growth

Dr. Tallman is developing biofilms on specific cell cultures and studying the interactions between them. She is researching the effects of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on HeLa and Calu-3 cell cultures. P. aeruginosa is the most common bacterial infection in cystic fibrosis patients that lead to biofilm formation. HeLa cell cultures are from a cervical cancer cell line and have different immune properties from Calu-3 cells, which are developed from a type of lung cancer.

The goal of Dr. Tallman's research is to identify the cellular changes in the epithelial cells resulting from biofilm growth, which may assist in identifying methods to fight biofilm development in cystic fibrosis patients.

Why did you decide to become a scientist?

In high school, I didn't find science classes interesting at all and had no interest in becoming a scientist. When I entered college as a pre-nursing major, I was amazed to learn about anatomy, physiology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. So I switched my major to Biology/Chemistry. At the end of my first year in college, a faculty member invited me to do research with him. That began three summers of research in several different labs. I also worked as a teaching assistant for several years with the anatomy and physiology instructor and after graduation I worked briefly in an immunology lab. From these experiences, I discovered that I love to learn new facts about how the human body works and how disease affects it. I also love to share that knowledge with others.

What led you to the questions you are now investigating in your research?
Last summer while I taught general anatomy here at UCB, I was able to observe some techniques in Terry Machen's lab. He studies cell physiology and the effects of cystic fibrosis. A colleague of mine in Nebraska was studying biofilms. Out of that experience grew an interest in developing biofilms on cell cultures, something that has not been done with great success. This research gives me an opportunity to address a more disease-oriented process and one that incorporates more of the immune system.

How does your research affect your classroom and/or lab?
Research keeps my mind sharp. It challenges me to keep growing, learning, and trying new techniques. It reminds me that the world and our understanding of it is always changing. Even if my research doesn't directly apply to the areas in which I teach, research experience keeps everything fresh and exciting. There is always a new perspective and new pieces of information that I can bring to students.

What do you enjoy most about your research?
I enjoy learning about disease processes in the human body. It is powerful to add a few bacteria to some cultured cells and to watch the bacteria grow, swarm, and destroy those cells. Life is so fragile and delicate. I am also impressed that our bodies can so effectively fight off infections that we may not even develop symptoms. Our bodies are truly amazing in what they can do and I would like to learn more about that. On a more practical note, my research reminds me to thoroughly wash my hands more often!

July / August 2007

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