How a protein in Lyme disease bacteria affects its ability to cause infection
Official title: Impacts of Borrelia burgdorferi Gac protein on infectivity and regulation of virulence protein expression
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11097184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Gac in the Lyme disease bacteria to see how it helps the bacteria infect animals and ticks, which could help find new ways to treat Lyme disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $183,637 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI182568-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lyme disease or those at risk of Lyme disease infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Lyme disease or are not at risk for infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the Gac protein in Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. By examining how Gac regulates the expression of virulence proteins, the study aims to understand its impact on the bacterium's ability to infect mammals and ticks. The researchers will utilize RNA sequencing to analyze changes in gene expression related to infection. This work could lead to the identification of new targets for antibacterial treatments against Lyme disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for Lyme disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success in understanding bacterial virulence mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stevenson, Brian — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Stevenson, Brian
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.