Dr. Fabrice Jean-Pierre: Uncovering the Invisible Battles in CF Lungs 

Dr. Fabrice Jean-Pierre’s research digs into a problem many people with cystic fibrosis (CF) know intimately: chronic lung infections. Even as treatments like Trikafta improve lung function and overall quality of life for many, bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) continue to linger, evolve, and resist treatment. Over time, PA can cause significant inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs, contributing to a decline in lung health. 

For decades, researchers have studied lung infections as if one type of bacteria caused all the trouble. But Dr. Jean-Pierre, Assistant Professor at Universite de Sherbrooke, saw a different story.  

“The CF lung is not colonized by just one microbe,” he explains. “Multiple microbes live here together, and they talk to each other”.  

That “talking” happens in structures called polymicrobial biofilms – sticky, complex communities of bacteria that work together and protect each other from treatment. In his lab, Dr. Jean-Pierre builds intricate models of these microbial communities, recreating the low-oxygen, nutrient-rich environment of a CF lung. His work reveals something critical: when microbes like Staphylococcus aureus (SA) or Prevotella are present, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) becomes harder to kill.  

“Staphylococcus seems to be producing a molecule that helps Pseudomonas form stronger biofilms,” he says. “And more biofilm means less antibiotic effectiveness.”  

This research could one day change how lung infections are treated. If doctors understand how bacterial communities behave and how they make each other stronger, they can better choose treatments that work. It also opens the door to repurposing existing drugs. In collaboration with another researcher, Dr. Jean-Pierre is testing hundreds of already-approved medications to see if some unexpectedly kill Pseudomonas in a mixed microbial setting.  

“We’re finding that some drugs don’t work on Pseudomonas alone, but they become powerful in a community,” he explains. “This could lead to faster, cheaper therapies”.  

Funding the Future 

Dr. Jean-Pierre is a recipient of a 2024 Early Career Investigator award funded by Cystic Fibrosis Canada – his first Canadian CF research grant since returning from a postdoctoral fellowship in the U.S. 

“Getting that support was huge,” he says. “It means people believe in the potential of this work to impact the lives of those with CF”.  

He has spent over 15 years studying Pseudomonas aeruginosa and would like to thank his mentors for their guidance and inspiring the development of the polymicrobial models he continues to refine today.  

“It takes a village. I’m where I am because of amazing mentors who believed in me – even after I stepped away from academia.” 

A Lab Built on Curiosity  

At Universite de Sherbrooke, Dr. Jean-Pierre leads a growing lab of students, each driven by a shared passion for discovery. He gives his students the tools, guidance, and freedom to pursue meaningful questions – a mentorship approach that has already led to impactful breakthroughs in the lab.  

That spirit of openness extends beyond the lab. Dr. Jean-Pierre has published protocols for his CF model system, allowing other researchers to study polymicrobial biofilms in their own labs.  

“I get emails from all over asking to use our model,” he says. “I’m thrilled others are building on our work.” 

Staying Connected to the CF Community  

Dr. Jean-Pierre listens closely to people with CF by following CF community forums to stay grounded in the lived experience. He wants the CF community to know that his lab is approachable, collaborative, and ready to answer questions that matter most to those living with CF.  

“Without the community, we have nothing to work on. I’d love if people reached out with their questions or stories – this could shape an experiment in my lab.” 

When asked about being a part of the CF research community, Dr. Jean-Pierre is very enthusiastic. He describes it as the most tight-knit group he’s ever encountered, where collaboration and support take priority over competition. His commitment to advancing CF research runs deep, and he plans to continue his work for as long as he can. 

Dr. Jean-Pierre is optimistic about the future of CF research but knows the fight isn’t over, especially when it comes to infections. His lab will keep asking bold questions, testing new combinations, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.