How bacteria control their ability to cause cholera
Official title: sRNA-regulated S-glutathionylation controls Vibrio cholerae virulence
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10763882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the cholera-causing bacteria, Vibrio cholerae, manages to infect the small intestine, especially when faced with the body's defenses, and it aims to find new ways to fight cholera by understanding the role of tiny molecules called sRNAs in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,925 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175874-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10763882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals, particularly infants, who are at risk of cholera infection or have been diagnosed with cholera.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cholera or are not at risk of cholera infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which causes cholera, regulates its ability to infect the small intestine. It focuses on small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) that help the bacteria respond to stress from the host's immune system. By understanding how these sRNAs influence the bacteria's virulence through a process called S-glutathionylation, researchers aim to uncover new ways to combat cholera infections. The study uses laboratory techniques to analyze gene expression and bacterial behavior in response to oxidative stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cholera infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial virulence mechanisms, making this approach promising but still innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jun — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jun
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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.