Gardnerella's role in bladder changes that promote E. coli urinary infections
Molecular and genomic basis of the relationship between Gardnerella, bladder exfoliation and E. coli UTI
This project looks at whether Gardnerella, a vaginal bacterium, causes bladder lining damage that makes women more likely to get or relapse with E. coli urinary tract infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310032 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are exploring how Gardnerella that originates in the vagina can reach the bladder and trigger bladder cell death and shedding. They use lab techniques and mouse models to see how those bladder changes help uropathogenic E. coli cause heavier or recurring infections. The team will study molecular and genomic signals behind this interaction to find what drives increased UTI risk. Results may point to new ways to prevent or stop recurrent UTIs linked to vaginal dysbiosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women with a history of recurrent UTIs, particularly those who also have bacterial vaginosis or recent sexual activity, would be most directly relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without UTI history or vaginal dysbiosis, and those seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than participating in research, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets or strategies to prevent or reduce recurrent E. coli UTIs in women, especially those with bacterial vaginosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior clinical and laboratory work has linked bacterial vaginosis and Gardnerella to higher UTI risk, but detailed mechanistic and genomic studies like this are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilbert, Nicole Marie — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Gilbert, Nicole Marie
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.