Host-pathogen evolution at the interface between humans and bacteria
Official title: Mechanisms of evolution at the host-pathogen interface
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-11349758 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research team will study how bacteria and the human body influence each other to understand why infections happen and how resistance develops.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $406,243 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM158176-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11349758 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People affected by bacterial infections or with high risk of bacterial disease may benefit from insights gained, future therapies, or targeted prevention strategies.
✕Less likely to help
This grant focuses on basic mechanisms and may not directly benefit any individual participant in the near term.
What this research studies
Researchers will combine evolutionary genetics with lab experiments to see how genetic changes in both humans and bacteria affect disease and immunity. They will use genomic data to pick rapidly changing genes and then test their effects with biochemistry, cell biology, and microbiology experiments. The goal is to link specific genetic variants to disease-related outcomes and to uncover mechanisms of colonization and immune evasion that can inform future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to better understanding of who is at risk and how to prevent or treat bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work using integrated evolutionary and molecular approaches has yielded insights into host-pathogen interactions, suggesting potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barber, Matthew Frederick — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Barber, Matthew Frederick
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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.