How a bacterial protein affects host cell processes
Official title: DeADP-ribosylation of host targets mediated by a bacterial effector
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-10766271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease change the way our cells work by injecting special proteins, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these infections happen and finding new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171709-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10766271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with Legionnaires' disease or those at risk of infection from Legionella bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by bacterial infections or do not have a history of Legionnaires' disease may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the pathogenic bacteria Legionella pneumophila manipulates host cell functions by injecting proteins that alter cellular processes. The team uses advanced techniques to identify and analyze these proteins, focusing on their ability to modify ubiquitin, a key regulator of cellular activities. By employing activity-based probes and mass spectrometry, they aim to uncover new proteins that interact with ubiquitin and understand their roles in the bacteria's lifecycle within host cells. This work could provide insights into the mechanisms of bacterial infections and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating infections caused by Legionella pneumophila and similar pathogens.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial manipulation of host cellular processes, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Das, Chittaranjan — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Das, Chittaranjan
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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.