Creating a large library of genetic mutants of Rickettsia parkeri bacteria
Official title: Generation and characterization of a large-scale transposon mutant library of Rickettsia parkeri
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11005389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about learning more about a type of bacteria called Rickettsia parkeri, which can make people sick through tick bites, and the researchers are creating special versions of these bacteria to find out how they work and how we might treat the diseases they cause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 2, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $282,909 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AI179998-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of or have been diagnosed with rickettsial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-rickettsial bacterial infections or those not affected by tick-borne diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the biology of Rickettsia parkeri, a type of bacteria that can cause diseases transmitted by ticks. The team will create a large collection of genetic mutants to explore how these bacteria grow and cause disease. By developing new tools to manipulate the bacteria's genes, researchers aim to uncover important mechanisms of infection and potential treatment strategies. This work is crucial for improving our understanding of rickettsial diseases and developing effective therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating rickettsial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using smaller collections of transposon mutants has successfully provided insights into Rickettsia pathogenesis, suggesting that this approach has potential for further breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goley, Erin D — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Goley, Erin D
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.