How common mouth bacteria trigger immune and stress responses through cell control proteins
Pathogen-induced immune and stress responses mediated by bZIP transcription factors
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11140473
This project looks at how bacteria that live in the mouth cause cells to mount immune and stress reactions that can lead to infections like bloodstream infections and septic arthritis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11140473 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use the tiny roundworm C. elegans as a whole-organism model to see how mitis group streptococci and the hydrogen peroxide they produce affect tissues. They will focus on two bZIP family control proteins, ZIP-2 and ZIP-10, to understand how these proteins drive immune and oxidative stress responses. The work combines bacterial genetics, worm genetics, and cell-based observations to link bacterial factors to host response pathways. Results aim to reveal how non-immune cells contribute to defense and tissue damage during infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this research include those who have experienced infections caused by mitis group streptococci, such as bacteremia, infective endocarditis, orbital cellulitis, or septic arthritis, and people with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for these infections.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial conditions or infections caused by completely unrelated pathogens are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to prevent or reduce tissue damage from common oral streptococcal infections and related complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide from these streptococci can kill epithelial cells and activate stress pathways, but using a whole-organism model to link that chemistry to host transcriptional responses is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VAN DER HOEVEN, RANSOME — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: VAN DER HOEVEN, RANSOME
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.