How viruses that attack gut bacteria use the bacterial protein YajC
Bacteriophage interactions with enteric pathogens-the essential role of inner membrane protein YajC
This work looks at how viruses that infect gut bacteria use a bacterial protein called YajC, which could help lead to new ways to treat infections like E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328899 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) and gut bacteria in the lab to see how the inner membrane protein YajC helps viruses enter bacterial cells. They will combine genetic experiments, biochemical tests, and high-resolution structural methods to map how phages bind and interact with YajC. The team aims to identify common features used by many phages to infect enteric pathogens. Findings are intended to reveal physical targets that could be used to design or improve antibacterial therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is lab-based work that does not currently enroll patients, people with or at risk for enteric bacterial infections—especially antibiotic-resistant E. coli, Salmonella, or Shigella—could be future candidates for related clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients with non-enteric infections (for example viral, fungal, or skin-only conditions) are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new treatment strategies or ways to improve bacteriophage-based therapies for antibiotic-resistant gut infections.
How similar studies have performed: Phage therapy has shown promise in some compassionate-use cases and early trials, but targeting a conserved bacterial protein like YajC is a novel, largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parent, Kristin N — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Parent, Kristin N
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.