How bacteria 'talk' to control growth and harmful behavior
Quorum sensing regulation of bacterial development
Researchers will learn how bacteria signal each other to trigger biofilms and toxin release, which could help people at risk of bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140989 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists are using Vibrio bacteria in the lab to map how the LuxR protein and related genes turn on group behaviors like biofilm formation, motility, and toxin secretion. They will combine genetic, biochemical, and biophysical experiments to reveal the transcriptional programs controlled by quorum sensing. The team aims to identify the molecular steps that make some strains more virulent than others. Results could point to chemical ways to block bacterial signaling and reduce infection severity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at risk for bacterial infections—particularly those caused by Vibrio or other biofilm-forming organisms—would be the most likely to benefit from therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial conditions or those needing immediate lifesaving interventions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drugs that stop bacteria from coordinating harmful behaviors, reducing infections and the need for traditional antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have shown that blocking quorum sensing can lower bacterial virulence, but turning those findings into proven human treatments has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
Bloomington, United States
- Trustees of Indiana University — Bloomington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Kessel, Julia C. — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Van Kessel, Julia C.
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.