How a dangerous E. coli senses physical forces to trigger infection
Mechanoregulation of EHEC virulence
This project looks at how enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) senses physical forces in the gut and turns on factors that make people sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320846 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use lab-grown bacteria, cell cultures, and animal models to mimic the physical forces EHEC encounters in the human gut. They focus on a bacterial regulator called GrlA and how its location inside the bacterial cell controls the LEE-encoded type 3 secretion system and colonization. The team studies how mechanical contact with host tissues activates virulence genes and influences production of colonization factors and Shiga toxins. Findings aim to reveal molecular steps that could be targeted to stop colonization or toxin release.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal contributors would be people with recent EHEC infection, those willing to donate stool or clinical samples, or individuals eligible for related observational studies at the research center.
Not a fit: People with gastrointestinal conditions not caused by EHEC or those unable to provide samples or travel to the research site are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent EHEC from colonizing the gut or producing harmful toxins, reducing severe complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Other research supports the idea that bacteria sense mechanical cues, but studying GrlA control of EHEC virulence and the LEE system is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krachler, Anne-Marie — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Krachler, Anne-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.