How common gut Bacteroides bacteria make tiny outer-membrane packages
Biogenesis of outer membrane vesicles in human gut bacteria
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11257260
This work looks at how common gut bacteria called Bacteroides produce small membrane packets that can affect digestion and the immune system.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11257260 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers engineer Bacteroides to label outer-membrane and vesicle proteins so true vesicles can be told apart from cell debris. They attach a light-producing nano-luciferase tag and run high-throughput genetic screens to find genes that make bacteria produce more or fewer vesicles. When key genes like BT_3341 are disrupted and vesicle formation stops, scientists study how those mutants change interactions with gut cells and immune signals. The goal is to map the molecular machinery behind vesicle production and how those vesicles influence nutrition and immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with gut conditions (for example inflammatory bowel disease) or healthy volunteers willing to donate stool samples would be appropriate contributors to related sample-based work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or those without gut-related health issues are unlikely to receive direct short-term benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal how gut bacteria signal to our immune system and point to new ways to reduce inflammation or improve gut health.
How similar studies have performed: Similar molecular-labeling and genetic-screen methods are fairly new but have already produced preliminary hits such as BT_3341, though translating these findings into therapies has not yet been done.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FELDMAN, MARIO — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: FELDMAN, MARIO
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.