How Burkholderia and other bacteria survive the immune chemical nitric oxide
Conserved NO-Binding Cytochromes in Burkholderia pseudomallei and Other Pathogens
This project looks at a bacterial protein that may explain why infections like melioidosis resist a key immune molecule (nitric oxide) and could point to new treatment targets for people affected by these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324214 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study a conserved bacterial protein (called cytBP1) found in Burkholderia pseudomallei and related pathogens. In the lab they will create bacteria that lack this protein to see how it changes survival, measure how the protein reacts with nitric oxide, and determine its three-dimensional structure to understand how it works. These experiments use bacterial samples and molecular techniques rather than testing treatments in people. The goal is to reveal a defense mechanism the bacteria use so new drugs or strategies can be developed later.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melioidosis or infections caused by Burkholderia species would be the most relevant group for future clinical follow-up or for donating samples to related research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment should not expect direct or immediate clinical benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify a new drug target that helps treatments clear persistent infections such as melioidosis.
How similar studies have performed: Related work shows some bacteria detoxify nitric oxide, but this specific cytochrome family in pathogens has not been characterized and is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Hyung J — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kim, Hyung J
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.