How H. pylori senses signals to survive in the stomach
The function of chemotactic signal transduction during colonization and disease
This work looks at how the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori senses molecules like lactate so it can survive in the stomach and resist parts of the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145887 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have or are at risk for H. pylori infection, researchers are focusing on a bacterial sensor called TlpC that helps the bug detect host lactate and escape immune attack. The team will map how TlpC binds signals at the molecular level using biochemical and binding assays and bacterial genetics. They will test how changes in TlpC affect H. pylori growth and colonization in living models to see where and when the sensor matters. Findings aim to reveal steps the bacterium uses to cause ulcers and gastric cancer and point to ways to block those steps.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with current H. pylori infection, a history of peptic ulcer disease, or who are at elevated risk for gastric cancer would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without H. pylori infection or whose stomach symptoms are caused by non-bacterial conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new drug targets or strategies to stop H. pylori from colonizing the stomach and causing ulcers or gastric cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Similar laboratory studies have identified bacterial sensors and pathways before, but turning those findings into effective human treatments has been limited so far.
Where this research is happening
Santa Cruz, United States
- University of California Santa Cruz — Santa Cruz, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ottemann, Karen M — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Ottemann, Karen M
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.