How certain disease-causing bacteria build and use tail-like motors to move and infect people
Flagellar Motor Biogenesis in Polarly-Flagellated Bacterial Pathogens
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11373839
Researchers are looking at how bacteria like Campylobacter build and use their flagella so people with these infections might benefit from new treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11373839 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists are studying the tiny rotary motors and secretion machines (flagella and type III secretion systems) that let bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni swim and deliver factors that help them cause illness. Using C. jejuni as a model, they compare its structures and proteins with those of better-studied bacteria, introduce specific genetic changes, and use imaging and biochemical tests to see how flagella are assembled and operate. The team has found unique parts that give polar flagella extra strength and secretion ability, and they will probe how those parts affect bacterial movement and the ability to cause disease. This lab-based work aims to reveal vulnerabilities that could be targeted by future drugs or vaccines to stop these bacteria from spreading or harming people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or are at risk for infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni (a common cause of foodborne diarrhea) would be the group most likely to benefit or be involved in future related clinical studies.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated conditions or those needing immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct benefit from this laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for drugs or vaccines to prevent or treat infections caused by Campylobacter and similar bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has mapped flagellar components in bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, but applying these approaches to polar flagellates such as C. jejuni is newer and less proven.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HENDRIXSON, DAVID R — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: HENDRIXSON, DAVID R
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.