How certain E. coli cause severe diarrhea and gut inflammation
Mechanisms underlying diarrhea and gut inflammation mediated by Enterotoxigenic and Enteropathogenic E. coli
This research looks at how toxins from some E. coli make the intestines inflamed and cause long diarrhea, especially in young children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indian Institute of Science NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bengaluru, India) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136275 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If a child has repeated or prolonged diarrhea from toxin-producing E. coli, this work uses specially engineered mice that copy the toxin effects to learn what changes in the gut. Researchers will examine how a gut receptor (GC-C) and elevated cGMP affect Paneth cells, inflammation, and susceptibility to other bacteria. The team will study immune signals, gut cell function, and microbial interactions to pinpoint what makes the intestine more vulnerable. Findings will guide ideas for treatments that protect gut cells and reduce severe, long-lasting diarrhea.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children (especially under age 5) and others who experience prolonged or severe diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli would be the main people who could benefit or be candidates for future related trials.
Not a fit: People whose diarrhea is due to non-infectious causes or to viruses unrelated to E. coli are unlikely to benefit from findings focused on E. coli toxins.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify targets or strategies to prevent or treat toxin-driven diarrhea and reduce long-term harm in affected children.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal work has linked the GC-C pathway to secretory diarrhea and shown some benefit from zinc, but direct therapies for ST toxin–mediated disease remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Bengaluru, India
- Indian Institute of Science — Bengaluru, India (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Visweswariah, Sandhya — Indian Institute of Science
- Study coordinator: Visweswariah, Sandhya
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.