How lipids affect immune responses to bacterial infections
Official title: Alternative Splicing & Differential Expression of Lipases in Host-Microbe Interactions
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11001961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in fat-processing proteins can affect our immune system's response to bacteria in the gut, using a tiny worm as a model, to help us learn more about how this might relate to human health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $503,697 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176327-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with bacterial infections or those interested in understanding immune system responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not affected by immune system disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of alternative splicing of lipases in the body's immune response to bacterial infections. It focuses on how changes in lipid metabolism, specifically through the production of endocannabinoids, can influence the immune system's ability to respond to gut bacteria. By studying the mechanisms of splicing in a model organism, C. elegans, the research aims to uncover insights that could be applicable to human health. The approach combines genetic analysis with immune response assessments to understand these complex interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses in patients with bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism's role in immune responses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghazi, Arjumand — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ghazi, Arjumand
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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.