# Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring of Polymicrobial Infections in Diabetic Wounds

> **NIH NIH K01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2024 · $156,703

## Abstract

Project Summary.
Research: The proposed research is entitled: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring of Polymicrobial Infections
in Diabetic Wounds. Diabetic wounds are prone to bacterial infections, which delay wound healing and cause
severe outcomes such as amputation and sepsis. To combat wound infections, our ongoing study pinpoints
Glutamate 1-Semialdehyde (GSA), a previously underexplored bacterial metabolite in the porphyrin biosynthesis
pathway. GSA can selectively induce porphyrin accumulation in bacteria but not in host cells, as the pathway is
notably absent in mammals. Porphyrin accumulation causes bacteria to fluoresce and become susceptible to
blue or red light-based killing, offering a novel method to diagnose, monitor, and treat diabetic wound infections
conveniently, thereby preventing catastrophic outcomes. Our substantial preliminary data have demonstrated
the fluorescence imaging and killing potential of GSA-phototherapy on common wound-infecting bacteria. In this
study, we will investigate the detection thresholds, biosafety, and killing efficacy of this novel modality using
diabetic mice. The translational potential of GSA-phototherapy will also be tested on diabetic mini-pigs. Our
proposal offers a multifaceted solution for the timely diagnosis, real-time monitoring, and non-antibiotic treatment
of bacterial infections, addressing the critical needs in the management of chronic diabetic wounds.
Mentors/Career Plan: My immediate goal is to acquire specialized training in diabetes and wound healing. To
accomplish this, I have enlisted Prof. Aristidis Veves, an authority on diabetic foot ulcers, as my co-mentor. We
have identified key didactic courses and symposiums to supplement my training, and he also offers me
opportunities for clinical shadowing and hands-on training with diabetic mini-pigs. In the middle of the K01 award,
I aim to draft and apply for an R01 grant designed to produce a convenient GSA dressing and a phone-based
detection device that empower diabetic patients to manage their wound infections proactively and easily at home.
Achieving this objective necessitates a deep understanding of photonics, fluorescence imaging, device design,
and wound dressing technologies. Courses and conferences are proposed accordingly. My ultimate ambition is
to evolve into an independent investigator, focusing on pioneering bacterial-specific photomedicine for combating
diabetic wound infections and promoting wound healing. Prof. Mei X. Wu, my primary mentor, has made a
detailed training plan to strengthen my publication record, build my academic networking, hone my grant writing,
leadership, and transferable skills. She is deeply engaged and ensures my adherence to the timeline and,
ultimately, my pathway to independence. Environment: My research will be primarily conducted in the Wellman
Center for Photomedicine, in Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS). I will
also collaborate with Prof. Veves of ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10947473
- **Project number:** 1K01DK140529-01
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Yongli Li
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $156,703
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-01 → 2029-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10947473

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10947473, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring of Polymicrobial Infections in Diabetic Wounds (1K01DK140529-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10947473. Licensed CC0.

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