GBS Group B Strep System in Diabetic Wounds and how it affects healing
Official title: Role of the Group B streptococcal Type VII Secretion System in the Diabetic Wound
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11441080 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH grant is exploring how a specific bacteria, Group B Streptococcus, behaves in diabetic foot ulcers and what makes these wounds harder to heal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $250,888 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI202338-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441080 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with diabetes and a history of foot ulcers who could contribute samples or be part of future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without diabetes or with non-infected wounds may not directly benefit from this specific work.
What this research studies
This project will study the role of a bacterial secretion system in GBS and how it helps the bacteria persist in diabetic foot ulcers. Researchers will use diabetic mouse models and sequencing to understand interactions with other bacteria in the wound. The goal is to map the bacterial factors that drive infection and poor healing so future therapies can target these mechanisms. The work focuses on translating basic findings into strategies that could improve healing for people with diabetic wounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new treatments that disrupt bacterial persistence and improve healing in diabetic foot ulcers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that bacterial secretion systems can influence infection and virulence in other contexts, supporting potential relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doran, Kelly S — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Doran, Kelly S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing Network at the University of Arizona
A NIH-supported project at the University of Arizona aims to improve healing of diabetic foot ulcers by studying biomarkers and running high-quality clinical trials.
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Understanding how skin layers coordinate healing after injury
Researchers are studying how different layers of adult skin coordinate rapid healing after injury to prevent infection and chronic wounds.
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Immunomodulatory therapy to speed up healing after oral cavity injuries in kids
A new approach using a drug called FTY720 aims to improve healing and reduce pain after oral injuries or palate surgery in children.
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How diabetic wounds let Group B Streptococcus cause infections
Researchers are learning how high blood sugar, immune changes, and other bacteria in diabetic wounds help Group B Streptococcus grow and cause worse infections in people with diabetes.
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Understanding how skin cells exchange harmful chemicals to cause injury and wound repair
A research project aims to uncover how certain chemical agents damage human skin and what happens in the early stages of blistering and inflammation.
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Intestinal mucosal wound healing in humans
A patient-friendly look at how the lining of the gut repairs itself after injury and why this matters for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
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.