Exploring small RNA roles in gonorrhea bacteria
Official title: Generation and characterization of a small RNA mutant library in Neisseria gonorrhea
Funded at Ohio University Athens · NIH-11039008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny molecules in the gonorrhea-causing bacteria to see how they help the bacteria survive and resist antibiotics, which could lead to new ways to treat infections for people affected by gonorrhea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio University Athens NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 26, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $75,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI188450-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with gonorrhea, especially those experiencing treatment failures due to antibiotic resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have gonorrhea or those with other unrelated infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) in the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which causes gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection. The study aims to create a comprehensive annotation of sRNA genes to better understand their functions and how they contribute to antibiotic resistance. By analyzing existing RNA sequencing data, the researchers will identify and prioritize sRNAs that may play critical roles in the bacteria's ability to survive and cause infection. This work could lead to new therapeutic strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for gonorrhea, particularly against antibiotic-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of sRNAs in bacterial pathogens is emerging, this specific approach to understanding sRNAs in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio University Athens
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carroll, Ronan — Ohio University Athens
- Study coordinator: Carroll, Ronan
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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.