Matthew R. Parsek

Matthew R. Parsek is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Washington's College of Arts & Sciences, where he leads an active research laboratory focused on bacterial community behavior. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with clinical applications, particularly in understanding how bacterial communication systems influence pathogenesis and treatment resistance. The Parsek Lab employs cutting-edge multidisciplinary approaches including scanning confocal laser microscopy, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques to investigate these complex microbial systems.

Dr. Parsek's primary research interests center on bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing mechanisms. His laboratory investigates the molecular basis of bacterial communication through acyl-homoserine lactones (acyl-HSLs), which allow bacteria to coordinate behavior at the community level. A major focus is the structure and function of biofilm matrices, particularly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with emphasis on exopolysaccharides like Psl and Pel. His research explores how these matrices contribute to antimicrobial resistance and how biofilms form in clinical settings, especially in cystic fibrosis patients.

Analysis of Dr. Parsek's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on P. aeruginosa biofilm mechanics, matrix composition, and host-pathogen interactions. His work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms of surface sensing and cyclic-di-GMP signaling to clinical implications of biofilm formation in chronic infections. The research demonstrates how biofilm matrix components like Psl and Pel contribute to structural integrity, antimicrobial tolerance, and evasion of host immune responses.

Dr. Parsek has received significant recognition for his contributions to microbiology, most notably being named an AAAS Fellow in 2024.

• AAAS Fellow (2024)

Dr. Parsek actively mentors the next generation of microbiologists, currently accepting graduate students and supervising postdoctoral researchers, undergraduate students, and laboratory staff. His laboratory maintains strong collaborative relationships with researchers at Ohio State University, University of Toronto, UCLA, University of Calgary, and UNLV. These collaborations enhance the lab's capacity to address complex questions in biofilm biology from multiple disciplinary perspectives. The Parsek Lab has secured significant research funding that supports investigations into biofilm matrix composition, surface sensing mechanisms, and the clinical relevance of bacterial communities in chronic infections.

The Parsek Lab operates from the South Lake Union campus of the University of Washington (Building F, 8th Floor), equipped with advanced microscopy and molecular biology facilities. The laboratory maintains active collaborations with multiple research groups studying P. aeruginosa pathogenesis, including those led by Dan Wozniak, Lynne Howell, Gerard Wong, Joe Harrison, and Boo Shan Tseng. These partnerships facilitate comprehensive investigations spanning from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications in infectious disease treatment.