Does a bacterial protein called USP harm the gut and trigger immune responses?
Genotoxicity and immunogenicity of the uropathogenic specific protein (USP) in the gut
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MED SCIENCES · NIH-11324220
This project tests whether a bacterial protein called USP can damage human gut tissue and cause an antibody response using lab-grown gut cells and patient samples.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MED SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN JUAN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11324220 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will apply purified USP protein to intestinal organoids grown from patient tissue to see if the protein causes cell damage. They will study how USP might enter gut cells and which parts of the protein are responsible. The team will also look for USP in stool samples and check whether people with USP in their stool have antibodies against it. Students at the University of Puerto Rico will perform the lab work over the project period.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People willing to provide stool (and possibly blood) samples—particularly those with prior E. coli urinary infections or gastrointestinal symptoms—would be ideal candidates to help this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment for gut disease are unlikely to receive direct personal benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If USP harms the gut or provokes immune responses, this could lead to tests to detect exposure and guide strategies to prevent or treat related intestinal damage.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab work showed USP can damage cultured endothelial cells, but testing its effects on patient-derived gut organoids and linking stool presence to antibody responses is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
SAN JUAN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MED SCIENCES — SAN JUAN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BAERGA-ORTIZ, ABEL J — UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MED SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: BAERGA-ORTIZ, ABEL J
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.