How genes, sex, and environment cause trait and immune differences
Genetic mechanisms of phenotypic variation within and amongst genotypes, environments, and sexes
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON · NIH-11263708
This project looks at how genes, being male or female, and different environments change traits and immune responses that matter for bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11263708 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You can think of this work as using fruit flies and house flies to learn why individuals differ in traits and in how they fight bacteria. Scientists will compare natural genetic differences across species, expose flies to different environmental conditions, and use genomic tools to find the genes involved. They will also study males and females separately to spot sex-specific effects. Findings from these fly experiments are meant to point researchers toward mechanisms that could be relevant for human infection outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by bacterial infections or those interested in why infection outcomes differ by sex or genetics would find this research directly relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or those with non-bacterial conditions are unlikely to receive direct, short-term benefits from this basic lab research in flies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic and sex-specific mechanisms that help explain why some people get sicker from bacterial infections and suggest new targets for diagnosis or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Genetics studies in flies have a strong track record of identifying genes and pathways later linked to human disease, but translating those findings into patient care takes additional work.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MEISEL, RICHARD P. — UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: MEISEL, RICHARD P.
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections, Disease, Disorder