Chlamydia life cycle and its link to atherosclerosis and eye disease
Official title: Cell form determination during the chlamydial intracellular infectious cycle
Funded at University of Idaho · NIH-11365388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A doctor-scientist team is studying how Chlamydia bacteria grow inside human cells and how their different cell forms relate to heart disease and infections like pneumonia, eye disease, and infertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Idaho NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Moscow, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $505,406 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI189778-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or Chlamydia-related infections may be relevant for future studies or trials linked to this work.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals not affected by Chlamydia-related diseases may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project explores how the developmental cycle of Chlamydia bacteria—RBs, IBs, and EBs—drives disease processes inside human cells. Researchers will use CRISPR/dCas9 tools to probe which genes control transitions between forms, aiming to understand how these bacteria contribute to atherosclerosis and other conditions linked to Chlamydia. The work involves cell-based and possibly animal studies to connect bacterial biology with human disease outcomes. Results could reveal new targets for therapies to prevent or treat infections and related cardiovascular complications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat Chlamydia-related diseases, including cardiovascular and eye conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have linked Chlamydia infections to cardiovascular disease, but this project aims to clarify the developmental mechanisms and identify actionable targets.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Idaho
Moscow, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grieshaber, Scott S — University of Idaho
- Study coordinator: Grieshaber, Scott S
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.