How Microbes Change Cell Structures and Affect Disease
Trans-Golgi Network Remodeling by Microbial Factors
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11083757
This research explores how tiny microbes can change important parts of our cells, called the trans-Golgi network, which might help us understand and treat conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11083757 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our cells have a special part called the trans-Golgi network (TGN) that helps process new proteins. We've found that certain things from microbes, like bacterial antibiotics or toxins, can cause the TGN to break apart into smaller pieces. These pieces then act as a signal to trigger a pathway in our cells called the NLRP3 inflammasome. When the NLRP3 pathway becomes overactive, it can lead to inflammation and is connected to many serious health issues, including autoimmune diseases and cancers. This work aims to uncover the exact ways microbes cause these changes in our cells and how that contributes to disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand basic cellular processes relevant to those with autoimmune diseases, cancers, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways that microbes contribute to diseases like autoimmune conditions and cancers, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the general role of the TGN and NLRP3 inflammasome is known, this specific discovery of microbial factors causing TGN disassembly and its link to NLRP3 activation is a relatively new and promising area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHEN, JUEQI — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: CHEN, JUEQI
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: Autoimmune Diseases, Cancers