How tiny RNAs control Salmonella infection genes
Novel sRNA-mediated regulation of Rho action at a 3' untranslated region to affect mRNA stability
This project looks at how small RNA molecules change the lifespan of a key Salmonella gene message to help future ways to prevent or treat Salmonella infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261046 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are studying Salmonella Typhimurium bacteria in the lab to understand how small RNAs and the bacterial termination factor Rho act at the 3' end of the hilD message to change how long that message survives. They will use bacterial genetics and molecular biochemistry to map interactions at the hilD 3' untranslated region and measure effects on gene expression and the Type Three Secretion System that helps Salmonella invade the gut. The team will also use animal infection models to see how molecular changes alter the bacterium's ability to colonize and cause disease. Findings will connect basic molecular mechanisms to bacterial virulence that matters for human infection risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; its results would be most relevant to people who get Salmonella foodborne infections or are at risk of invasive salmonellosis.
Not a fit: People with infections unrelated to Salmonella or conditions not linked to bacterial gut invasion are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to block Salmonella virulence and guide development of therapies or preventive measures against foodborne Salmonella infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic research has shown that Rho and RNA decay systems influence bacterial gene expression, but applying small RNA and 3'UTR interactions to control hilD stability and SPI-1 regulation is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
Champaign, United States
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — Champaign, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slauch, James M. — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Slauch, James M.
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.