How stress hormones affect harmful bacteria in the gut
Official title: Quorum Sensing Regulation of EHEC Virulence Genes
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11000282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress hormones in your body might affect harmful bacteria in your gut, which could help us learn more about keeping your gut healthy and preventing diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $627,030 |
| NIH project number | 5R37AI053067-24 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those under 2 years old who may be at higher risk for EHEC infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 11 years or those without a history of EHEC infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of stress hormones, specifically epinephrine and norepinephrine, in regulating the virulence of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) in the gut. By examining how these neurotransmitters interact with gut microbiota, the study aims to understand the balance between harmful pathogens and the body's defense mechanisms. The approach includes assessing how the microbiota influences the availability of these hormones, potentially leading to new insights into gut health and disease prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by EHEC in young children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microbiota in pathogen interactions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sperandio, Vanessa — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Sperandio, Vanessa
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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.