How bacteria control the proteins that make them cause disease
How Regulated Proteolysis Controls Bacterial Virulence
Researchers are figuring out how Salmonella and related bacteria break down their own proteins to turn on infection traits and resist antibiotics, aiming to help people with bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient viewpoint, the team is studying Salmonella and related bacteria in the lab to see how specific protein-cutting machines (proteases) and regulators control the proteins that let bacteria cause disease. They will examine five ATP-dependent proteases and the PhoP regulator, track how certain proteins are targeted for destruction, and study how this changes virulence gene activity inside immune cells. The work uses bacterial genetics, molecular biology, and infected macrophage models (including mouse macrophages) to identify protease adaptors, RNA elements that control virulence protein production, and domains of proteins needed for survival in low-magnesium environments. This project is laboratory-based and does not describe enrolling patients in a clinical trial.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by Salmonella infections (gastroenteritis or typhoid) are the population most likely to benefit in the long term, although this grant primarily supports laboratory research rather than patient enrollment.
Not a fit: Patients with illnesses unrelated to bacterial infections or without Salmonella exposure are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new drug targets or ways to block bacteria from turning on infection and antibiotic-tolerance mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous basic research has shown proteases and regulators like PhoP influence bacterial virulence, but this detailed, multi-protease mapping in Salmonella builds on prior work and explores new mechanistic territory.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Groisman, Eduardo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Groisman, Eduardo
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.