How two tiny Staph RNAs help bacteria cause worse infections
Characterization of two virulence-associated S. aureus sRNAs
['FUNDING_R21'] · GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-11258039
Researchers are identifying two small bacterial RNAs that help Staphylococcus aureus survive and cause problems in people with cystic fibrosis lung infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11258039 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have cystic fibrosis and chronic Staphylococcus aureus lung infections, this work looks at tiny bacterial RNAs that might make infections worse. Researchers will read bacterial RNA from cystic fibrosis sputum and human wound samples to find two highly expressed small RNAs called rsaX20 and S1077. They will test when these RNAs turn on under stress or low-metal conditions and use lab experiments plus a mouse wound model to see how the RNAs change bacterial behavior. The team plans to link these findings to antibiotic resistance and virulence so future treatments could target these RNAs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cystic fibrosis who produce sputum and have chronic Staphylococcus aureus lung infection may be invited to provide samples for this work.
Not a fit: Patients without Staphylococcus aureus infections or those with unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to block Staph virulence or improve treatments for lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows bacterial small RNAs can control virulence, but these two specific RNAs are newly identified and their roles are currently untested.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WHITELEY, MARVIN — GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Study coordinator: WHITELEY, MARVIN
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.
Conditions: CF lung disease