Finding bacterial lipid factors that make infections more harmful
Chemical Biological Discovery of Lipid Virulence Factors in the Major Bacterial Pathogens
['FUNDING_R01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11084543
Researchers are looking for hidden fat-like molecules made by disease-causing bacteria that help them cause infections, to help people with bacterial illnesses.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11084543 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks for lipid (fat-like) molecules that bacteria produce when they are able to cause more severe infections. Scientists use a fast mass spectrometry method to profile nearly all ionizable bacterial lipids and compare virulent and non-virulent strains. They will chemically make the lipids they find and link each molecule to the bacterial gene that produces it. The work focuses on important human pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Salmonella Typhi and could point to new diagnostic markers or drug targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at risk for bacterial infections such as tuberculosis or typhoid may be the eventual beneficiaries and could be invited to future studies informed by this work.
Not a fit: This project is unlikely to directly help people with non-bacterial illnesses like viral infections or chronic noninfectious conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new targets for diagnostics, vaccines, or drugs that reduce the harm caused by bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary work by the team has already uncovered previously unnamed virulence-associated lipids in tuberculosis and Salmonella, so the approach has promising early support but is still being expanded.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOODY, DAVID BRANCH — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: MOODY, DAVID BRANCH
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.