How some disease-causing bacteria build and power their tiny swimming motors
Flagellar Motor Biogenesis in Polarly-Flagellated Bacterial Pathogens
This work looks at how certain bacteria that cause infections build and run their tiny motors so we can find better ways to stop them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10873973 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use Campylobacter jejuni as a model to map the complex structures that make up polar flagellar motors and the secretion system that helps assemble them. The team combines genetic manipulation, microscopy, and protein analyses to identify which parts are unique or conserved across related pathogens. They compare how these structural differences change the motor's ability to secrete components and drive bacterial movement. Findings aim to explain why these bacteria are so good at colonizing hosts and causing disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have infections caused by Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori, Vibrio cholerae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa would be most relevant if related clinical studies are offered in the future.
Not a fit: People with non-bacterial illnesses or infections caused by viruses, fungi, or unrelated bacteria are unlikely to see direct benefits from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to block bacterial movement or assembly of their motors, reducing infections from pathogens like Campylobacter and Helicobacter.
How similar studies have performed: Basic flagellar biology in model bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella has been well-mapped, but applying those approaches to polar-flagellated human pathogens is newer and less explored.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hendrixson, David R — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hendrixson, David R
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.