Advanced metabolomics tools to study deadly brain infection organisms
Official title: Development of High-Resolution Ion Mobility and Tandem Mass Spectrometry Approaches for Advanced Metabolomic Characterization of Eukaryotic Pathogenic Systems
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11382802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will use high-resolution ion mobility and tandem mass spectrometry to better understand the metabolites involved in infections caused by brain-threatening pathogens like Naegleria fowleri and Aspergillus fumigatus, with potential to improve diagnosis and treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $260,710 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM146584-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for or suffering from Naegleria fowleri or Aspergillus fumigatus infections, or clinicians seeking better diagnostic markers, would be relevant.
✕Less likely to help
People not exposed to these infections or not receiving diagnostic/metabolomic research may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the challenging metabolomics of two dangerous pathogens that affect people, especially those with weakened immune systems. By applying cutting-edge mass spectrometry and ion mobility techniques, the team aims to capture a broad and detailed view of metabolites during infection and treatment. The work is conducted at Clemson University under the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) framework, linking advanced technology with infectious disease biology. The goal is to uncover metabolite patterns that could inform better diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster, more accurate diagnostics and new avenues for targeted therapies against these tough brain and respiratory infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous advances in ion mobility and high-resolution MS have improved metabolite detection, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights for these pathogens.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chouinard, Christopher Donald — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Chouinard, Christopher Donald
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Tissue Structure and Nerve Changes in the Sacroiliac Joint
Researchers are studying how the sacroiliac joint contributes to low back pain by looking at its tissue structure and nerve-related changes.
-
Regulation of Cryptosporidium Development in Kids and Communities
Scientists are studying how Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes severe diarrhea from dirty water, develops, with the goal of finding new treatments for people who get sick.
-
ATTRACT: How jaw shape and movement affect jaw joint health in adults with jaw misalignment
This project studies how the shape and movement of the jawbone in adults with Class II or III jaw misalignment relate to the health and mechanics of the jaw joint.
-
Noninvasive nanoparticle therapy for the peripheral nervous system
Aimed at improving delivery of non-invasive treatments to injured nerves, this grant funds equipment to study how nanoparticles can cross the blood-nerve barrier and support nerve repair.
-
Health Extension for Diabetes: Connecting Community and Clinic
A community-clinical program aims to improve diabetes care by linking local health resources with clinical services over a two-year period.
-
Ice-free Preservation and Nanowarming for Viable Meniscal Transplants
Aimed at helping people with serious knee meniscus damage by improving how donor meniscal tissue is preserved so it stays alive longer.
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.