How bacteria control their ability to cause disease
Official title: RNA-binding proteins in bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10996179 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how specific proteins in harmful bacteria help them survive and cause illness in our intestines, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | January 14, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $463,356 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI162696-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996179 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who have experienced severe gastrointestinal infections, particularly those caused by E. coli, would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those without gastrointestinal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain proteins in bacteria help them adapt and respond to their environment, particularly focusing on the bacteria that cause severe intestinal diseases. By studying the role of RNA-binding proteins, the research aims to understand how these proteins regulate the expression of genes that contribute to bacterial virulence. The approach involves examining how these proteins interact with bacterial genes and how they are influenced by the host's biological signals. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by harmful bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent severe bacterial infections and their complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bacterial virulence mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kendall, Melissa — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Kendall, Melissa
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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.