How C. difficile spores hide in the gut lining
Mechanisms of persistence of Clostridioides difficile in the intestinal mucosa
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY · NIH-11300103
This project looks at how C. difficile spores stick to and get inside gut cells so future treatments can better prevent repeat infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11300103 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers will examine how C. difficile spores attach to and enter the cells that line the intestine using lab experiments and animal models. They will test how spores interact with gut proteins like fibronectin and how those interactions change during antibiotic treatment such as vancomycin. The team will analyze intestinal tissue samples and use mouse infection models to see where spores persist in the ileum, cecum, and colon. Their goal is to identify the molecular steps that let spores survive treatment and cause recurrence.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had C. difficile infection, especially those with recurrent episodes or at high risk for recurrence, could be candidates for future clinical follow-up or sample-donation opportunities related to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated health conditions or infections not caused by C. difficile are unlikely to get direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to ways to stop spores from hiding in the gut and reduce recurring C. difficile infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal research has shown C. difficile spores can adhere to and enter intestinal cells, but turning those findings into treatments to prevent recurrence remains early and novel.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PAREDES-SABJA, DANIEL GONZALO — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PAREDES-SABJA, DANIEL GONZALO
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.