How certain bacteria contribute to heart infections
Official title: Role of sialoglycan binding in the pathogenesis of streptococcal endocarditis
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10889196 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria in your mouth can lead to a serious heart infection called infective endocarditis, and it aims to find out how these bacteria stick to sugars on our cells, which might help us find better ways to prevent or treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $816,903 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177473-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889196 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of heart conditions or those at high risk for infective endocarditis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any underlying heart conditions or risk factors for infective endocarditis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific bacteria, particularly oral streptococci, cause infective endocarditis, a serious heart infection. It focuses on the role of certain proteins that these bacteria use to bind to sugars on human cells, which may enhance their ability to infect the heart. By studying these interactions in animal models, the research aims to understand how different types of sugar binding can either promote or reduce the severity of the infection. The findings could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for patients at risk of infective endocarditis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial interactions with human cells can lead to significant advancements in treating infections, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Wendy E — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Wendy E
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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.