Controlling the bacteria that cause serious infections like in cystic fibrosis
Global post-transcriptional regulators in P. aeruginosa
This research looks at how a specific type of bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causes infections in people with conditions like cystic fibrosis, aiming to find new ways to control it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10880808 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people, especially those with cystic fibrosis, face serious infections from a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacteria is also a major concern in hospitals and for burn patients. Our work focuses on understanding how this bacteria becomes harmful by studying its internal control systems. We are particularly interested in how certain genetic signals, called sRNAs, help the bacteria cause disease. By learning how these signals work, we hope to discover new ways to stop these infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is aimed at understanding the bacteria that cause chronic infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, hospital-acquired pneumonia, and burn wounds.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct medical benefit from this basic science work, as it focuses on understanding bacterial mechanisms rather than immediate treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications or strategies to treat or prevent severe Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, especially for those with cystic fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the methods used build on established techniques for studying bacterial gene regulation, the extensive role of the PhrS sRNA in P. aeruginosa is a novel finding being explored.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dove, Simon L — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dove, Simon L
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.