How cholera bacteria adapt to survive in water and the human gut
Environmental adaptation by Vibrio cholerae
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11285438
Looking at how cholera bacteria use chemical signals to change behavior in water and the human gut, to help people at risk of cholera.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11285438 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying the cholera bug to learn how it senses its surroundings and turns on or off the genes that make people sick. In lab work they will track small molecules and signals (including known autoinducers) that bacteria push out or sense, and study bacterial efflux systems and sensor proteins that control virulence. The team uses bacterial cultures and environmental samples to find which metabolites alter toxin and colonization responses. The goal is to reveal bacterial communication pathways that could be targeted to prevent or reduce severe cholera.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant funds laboratory research and does not appear to enroll patients directly, so there are no current patient recruitment criteria.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for active cholera infection should not expect direct clinical benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or weaken cholera infections by blocking the bacterial signals that trigger severe disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that bacterial efflux systems and quorum-sensing molecules affect virulence, but identifying the specific metabolites that repress virulence remains a novel and ongoing effort.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BINA, JAMES EDWARD — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: BINA, JAMES EDWARD
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.