How some bacteria take up and move cholesterol-like fats
Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of sterol lipid trafficking in bacteria
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11394946
Researchers are exploring how certain bacteria grab and transport cholesterol and related fats to better understand infections and gut-related effects on blood lipids.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11394946 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From the patient's perspective, scientists at Stanford will look at bacteria and related microbes that either make or interact with sterol lipids like cholesterol. They will combine lab experiments on bacterial proteins with computer-based analyses to map the pathways those microbes use to move and handle these fats. The team will focus on disease-linked bacteria (for example, Borrelia, Chlamydia, and Mycobacteria) as well as gut microbes that can change host lipid metabolism. The work aims to identify specific microbial proteins or steps that could be targeted to prevent harmful colonization or to limit microbe-driven changes in host cholesterol.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by infections from bacteria mentioned (for example, Lyme disease, chlamydial infections, tuberculosis-related bacteria) or individuals with gut microbiome-related cholesterol issues could be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to bacterial infections or microbe-influenced cholesterol metabolism (for example, purely genetic lipid disorders with no microbial component) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to block bacterial colonization or to reduce harmful microbe-driven changes in cholesterol, opening paths to new treatments or prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: This area is relatively new for bacteria—while sterol biology is well established in human cells, the molecular mechanisms in microbes are mostly uncharted and the work is exploratory rather than a proven approach.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DASSAMA, LAURA — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DASSAMA, LAURA
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.