How gut bacteria control their ability to cause infection
Characterization of a novel family of Small Regulatory Proteins modulating virulence in Enterobacteriaceae
Researchers are looking at tiny bacterial proteins to understand how common gut germs become harmful, which could help people with diarrheal illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289329 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a newly discovered family of small proteins called ANR that many enteric bacteria use to switch on or off factors like toxins and attachment tools. The team will use bacterial genetics, protein interaction tests, and animal infection models to see how ANR proteins change bacterial behavior and disease. They study important pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella to understand shared virulence mechanisms. Results may point to targets for vaccines or new treatments to prevent or reduce severe gastroenteritis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who get or are at risk for bacterial gut infections from E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, or related bacteria would be the most likely candidates for future therapies or trials.
Not a fit: People with non-bacterial causes of diarrhea, or conditions unrelated to gut infections, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new vaccine or drug targets that prevent or lessen severe bacterial gastroenteritis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous basic lab and animal studies suggest these regulatory proteins change bacterial virulence, but moving from this knowledge to human treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santiago, Araceli Elvira — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Santiago, Araceli Elvira
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.