How E. coli uses RNA-binding proteins to cause infection
RNA-binding proteins in bacterial virulence and host-pathogen interactions
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11241974
This project looks at tiny bacterial molecules that control E. coli's harmful behavior in the gut to help protect people who get infections like EHEC that can cause severe bloody diarrhea and HUS.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11241974 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are trying to understand how E. coli O157:H7 turns on and off the genes that let it stick to the gut and cause damage. They will study RNA-binding proteins in bacterial cells and test their effects in laboratory models and animals to see how these proteins respond to signals from the host. The team will map which bacterial RNAs are controlled and determine how that control affects colonization and disease. Learning these mechanisms could identify weak points for future tests, drugs, or preventive strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had EHEC infection, severe bloody diarrhea, or HUS, or those at high risk of exposure would be most relevant to follow this research or provide clinical samples.
Not a fit: Patients with infections unrelated to EHEC or those seeking immediate treatment should not expect direct personal benefit from this basic laboratory research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to prevent or treat EHEC infections and lower the risk of dangerous complications like HUS.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory work has shown RNA-binding proteins can change bacterial behavior, but turning that knowledge into patient-ready treatments or diagnostics remains early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KENDALL, MELISSA — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: KENDALL, MELISSA
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.