How bacterial proteins affect human cell function
Official title: Mechanisms of histone crosstalk with bacterial pathogens
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-10744241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how proteins from the bacteria Legionella pneumophila can change how our cells work, which might help us understand better ways to treat infections caused by these germs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | November 18, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $237,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173758-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10744241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with infections caused by Legionella pneumophila or similar bacterial pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those without any infectious diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain proteins secreted by bacterial pathogens, specifically Legionella pneumophila, interact with human cells to alter their function. The focus is on understanding how these proteins, known as nucleomodulins, modify the epigenetic landscape of host cells, particularly by affecting histone modifications. By studying the mechanisms of these interactions, the research aims to uncover how bacterial infections can manipulate host immune responses and cellular processes. This could lead to new insights into the treatment of infections caused by these pathogens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for treating infections by targeting the mechanisms used by bacteria to evade the immune system.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding host-pathogen interactions through similar mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Worden, Evan J — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Worden, Evan J
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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.