How the gonorrhea germ changes its surface proteins
Mechanisms of Gonococcal Pilin Antigenic and Phase Variation
Researchers are learning how the bacteria that cause gonorrhea alter their surface proteins so they can hide from the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093507 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at the molecular steps Neisseria gonorrhoeae uses to swap segments of the gene that makes its pilus, a key surface protein. Scientists study DNA and RNA structures in the bacterial chromosome, including a guanine-rich fold (G4) and RNA-DNA hybrids (R-loops), to see how these trigger the gene changes. The team uses bacterial genetics, engineered mutants, and molecular assays in the lab to track how new pilin variants replace old ones. Findings come from experiments performed at Northwestern University using bacterial strains and molecular biology techniques.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at risk for gonorrhea are the ultimate beneficiaries of this research, although the project itself is laboratory-based rather than a patient treatment trial.
Not a fit: Patients with infections unrelated to gonorrhea or those needing immediate clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to block gonorrhea from changing its surface proteins and help guide vaccine or therapy development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous molecular studies, including work from this team, have identified key proteins and structures involved in pilin variation, but the precise steps that replace old variants with new ones remain to be worked out.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seifert, Hank S. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Seifert, Hank S.
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.