3D maps of Staphylococcus aureus abscesses and the immune response
Molecular mapping of microbial communities at the host-pathogen interface by multi-modal 3-dimensional imaging mass spectrometry
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11129639
Using advanced 3D imaging and molecular tools to show which bacteria, immune proteins, lipids, and small molecules are present inside Staph aureus abscesses to help people with Staph infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11129639 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project builds detailed three-dimensional maps of Staphylococcus aureus abscesses by combining imaging mass spectrometry, transcript detection, and small animal imaging. The team will identify proteins, lipids, small molecules, and transcripts inside abscesses and link those molecules to immune responses. They will use machine learning and computer vision to integrate the different data types and reveal molecular patterns across abscess regions. Genetic experiments will test how specific innate immune factors shape the molecular makeup of the infection site.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Staphylococcus aureus skin or soft-tissue abscesses, recurrent Staph infections, or antibiotic-resistant Staph infections would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial abscesses or infections caused by organisms other than Staphylococcus aureus are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for drugs or vaccines and lead to better treatments for abscesses and drug-resistant Staph infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have used imaging mass spectrometry to profile infections, but this integrated multimodal 3D mapping coupled with machine learning is a novel, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SKAAR, ERIC P — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: SKAAR, ERIC P
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.