C. difficile's on-off switch for toxins and movement
Phase variation of virulence factors in Clostridioides difficile
Researchers are learning how C. difficile flips genetic switches that control toxin and flagella production to better understand infections and relapses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262888 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on a DNA 'switch' that turns on or off the genes for toxins and flagella, which affect how C. difficile damages the gut and sticks to intestinal cells. Scientists will use bacterial genetics and laboratory models to track switch orientation and measure toxin and flagella levels under different conditions. The team will study how these on/off states help the bacteria survive immune attack or take advantage of nutrients released during infection. By mapping when and why bacteria flip these switches, researchers hope to find weak points that could be targeted to prevent severe disease or recurrence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had a C. difficile infection—especially those with recurrent infections—or who are willing to provide stool or clinical samples are the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Individuals without C. difficile infection or whose symptoms are caused by other conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent or reduce the severity and recurrence of C. difficile infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that phase variation controls toxin and flagella expression in C. difficile, but translating those findings into patient therapies remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tamayo, Rita — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Tamayo, Rita
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.