How the Pic protein from EAEC affects gut mucus and inflammation
Immunomodulatory role of Pic in EAEC Pathogenesis
Researchers are looking at how a bacterial protein called Pic changes mucus, gut cells, and immune responses in people affected by EAEC-related diarrhea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11133023 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses human-derived colonoid models that include immune cells to mimic the human colon and study enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC). Scientists across Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland Baltimore, and University of Virginia will focus on Pic and related serine proteases from the SPATE family to see how they change goblet cell mucus secretion, epithelial cells, and leukocyte behavior. The team will use laboratory experiments with the leukocyte-colonoid monolayer to define molecular mechanisms such as Pic-driven MUC2 exocytosis and immune modulation. Findings will connect basic lab results to features of chronic inflammatory enteropathy linked to EAEC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people who have had EAEC-associated diarrhea, travelers' diarrhea, or signs of chronic inflammatory enteropathy who can donate clinical samples at the study sites.
Not a fit: People without EAEC infection or whose gut symptoms come from unrelated conditions (for example purely functional bowel disorders) are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect the gut lining or reduce inflammation in people with EAEC-associated diarrhea and related chronic enteropathies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies using colonoid systems have shown Pic can influence colonization and inflammation, but applying a human leukocyte-colonoid model to define these mechanisms is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruiz, Fernando — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Ruiz, Fernando
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.