How E. coli sense gut signals to turn on their harmful genes
Quorum Sensing Regulation of EHEC Virulence Genes
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11241978
This project looks at how the E. coli that cause severe gut infections use host and microbiome signals to switch on the genes that make them harmful.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11241978 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This work studies enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) and how it detects chemical signals in the gut to control disease-causing genes. Researchers focus on host stress hormones (norepinephrine/epinephrine), bacterial enzymes that free those hormones in the gut, and bacterial sensors called QseC, QseE and ExuR. They use bacterial genetics, lab-based models and infection models to trace how these signals change virulence gene activity. The goal is to map the pathways EHEC uses so future therapies might block the bacteria's ability to “sense” the host and cause disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by or at high risk for enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) infections—for example children and adults with recent severe foodborne E. coli illness—would be the most relevant candidates for future trials informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated gastrointestinal conditions or infections caused by non-EHEC pathogens are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat dangerous E. coli infections by blocking bacterial sensing or altering microbiome enzymes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work identified bacterial adrenergic sensors (QseC/QseE) and links to virulence, so this grant builds on established basic science though direct treatments based on these findings remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SPERANDIO, VANESSA — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: SPERANDIO, VANESSA
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.