How Vibrio MARTX toxins damage human cells
Vibrio MARTX toxin effectors in signaling and pathogenesis
['FUNDING_R37'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11223314
This project looks at how Vibrio bacteria use large MARTX toxins to enter and harm human cells during infection.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11223314 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers study the large MARTX proteins that Vibrio bacteria release and how those proteins form pores and release multiple toxic pieces inside human cells. In the lab they use cell models and molecular tools to map each toxin “effector” and to see how different effectors act alone and together. The team compares MARTX variants from different bacterial strains to find common ways they disrupt cell signaling and structure. The findings aim to point toward targets for future treatments, diagnostics, or prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recent or recurrent Vibrio infections, or those willing to donate samples for infection research, would be most relevant for related human studies or sample collection.
Not a fit: Patients without exposure to Vibrio bacteria or with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific toxin targets that guide new treatments, vaccines, or diagnostics to prevent or limit severe Vibrio infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have defined roles for individual MARTX effector domains, but simultaneous delivery and combined effects are less explored, so this builds on known findings while addressing a novel question.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SATCHELL, KARLA J F — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SATCHELL, KARLA J F
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.