How C. difficile proteins help spores survive
Impact of the C. difficile small acid soluble proteins on spore physiology
This work looks at tiny C. difficile proteins that help bacterial spores survive harsh conditions, with the goal of helping people at risk of C. difficile infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141583 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
In the lab, researchers will examine small acid soluble proteins (SASPs) made by C. difficile and how they protect dormant spores. They will create bacterial strains missing these proteins and compare spore survival after UV light, acids, reactive oxygen, heat, and other stresses. The team will also study how SASPs bind DNA and influence the process of spore formation. All experiments will use microbiology and molecular techniques at Texas A&M to map the proteins' roles.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had C. difficile infections or are at high risk in hospitals or long-term care settings would be most relevant to these findings.
Not a fit: People with diarrhea from other non–C. difficile causes or those not exposed to healthcare settings are unlikely to see direct benefit from this lab work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways for hospitals to target and destroy C. difficile spores and reduce infections.
How similar studies have performed: Related work in other spore-forming bacteria shows SASPs protect spores, and early data in C. difficile suggest similar roles, but detailed mechanisms in C. difficile remain novel.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sorg, Joe — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Sorg, Joe
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.