Blocking C. difficile spore germination to prevent recurrent infection
Official title: Clostridiodes difficile spore germination and therapeutic intervention
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11338642 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test a new class of antibiotics that stop C. difficile spores from germinating, helping people with recurrent infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | May 22, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $769,354 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI198244-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11338642 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with C. difficile infection or a history of recurrent C. difficile infection who would benefit from therapies that prevent spore germination and kill vegetative cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without C. difficile infection or those not at risk of recurrence may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how C. difficile spores wake up and produce disease, and tests oxadiazole antibiotics that kill vegetative cells while preventing spore germination. Researchers at the University of Notre Dame will study the spore germination machinery, especially SleC, to identify how to block the process. The work will translate lab findings into strategies that could stop recurrent infections in patients who have taken broad-spectrum antibiotics. Outcomes could point toward new treatments that prevent relapse and reduce gut damage from this pathogen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new therapies that reduce recurrence and improve recovery for people with C. difficile infections.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has identified oxadiazoles that can kill vegetative cells and inhibit spore germination, supporting potential effectiveness of the approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Mayland F — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Chang, Mayland F
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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.