How neutrophil mitochondria and lactate shape inflammation in sepsis
Defining the mitochondrial metabolic regulation of systemic innate inflammation
This research examines whether high lactate and mitochondrial signals in neutrophils change inflammatory responses in people with severe bacterial infections (sepsis).
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325373 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has sepsis, researchers are studying how a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil can both fight infection and cause tissue damage. They will look at how mitochondria inside neutrophils and the chemical lactate influence a neutrophil death process called NETosis using cells, molecular tools (including CRISPR), and laboratory models of infection. The work combines patient-relevant biology with lab experiments to trace how metabolic changes during severe bacterial infection alter inflammation. Findings may point to ways to prevent harmful overactive inflammation without stopping the cells that fight bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or recovering from bacterial sepsis, or individuals willing to provide blood samples for research, would be most relevant for this work.
Not a fit: People without bacterial infection or whose illness is caused by non-infectious conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could identify new targets to reduce damaging inflammation during sepsis and improve outcomes for people with severe bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked mitochondrial signals to NET formation, and preliminary data suggest lactate plays a role, but targeting this pathway in sepsis is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Knoxville, United States
- University of Tennessee Knoxville — Knoxville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monteith, Andrew J — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Monteith, Andrew J
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.