How common bacteria latch onto human tissues
Allosteric adhesins of enterobacterial pathogens
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11322046
This work looks at whether proteins on infection-causing bacteria change shape to help them stick to human tissues, which matters for people with E. coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Proteus, or Enterobacter infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11322046 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists are studying the proteins (adhesins) on bacteria that let them attach to body surfaces, focusing on species that cause human infections like E. coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Proteus, and Enterobacter. They will examine whether these adhesins can switch between inactive and active shapes (an allosteric switch) similar to the known FimH protein in E. coli. In lab-grown bacteria and purified protein tests, researchers will look at specific amino acids that act as molecular "toggles", measure binding strength under simulated forces, and compare structures across different species. The work is laboratory-based and aims to generate targets that could later be tested in patient-directed therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or are at high risk for infections caused by E. coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, Proteus, or Enterobacter could eventually benefit or be eligible for related future trials.
Not a fit: People with infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria not in this group are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drugs or preventive strategies that stop bacteria from attaching and reduce infections such as UTIs, pneumonia, or bloodstream infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research showed the E. coli FimH adhesin uses an allosteric switch, but applying this concept to other bacterial adhesins is largely new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SOKURENKO, EVGENI VENIAMINOVIC — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: SOKURENKO, EVGENI VENIAMINOVIC
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.