Does a bacterial protein called USP harm the gut and trigger immune responses?
Official title: Genotoxicity and immunogenicity of the uropathogenic specific protein (USP) in the gut
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences · NIH-11324220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Med Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Juan, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $150,331 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM153691-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment for gut disease are unlikely to receive direct personal benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
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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.