Investigating a new regulator that controls a system used by bacteria to infect cells
Official title: PA1627: a new regulator of the Type III secretion system
Funded at East Tennessee State University · NIH-11099968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new part of a germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa that helps it cause infections, with the goal of finding new ways to treat these tough infections and help patients who are struggling with antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Tennessee State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Johnson City, United States) |
| Project start | May 31, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $68,779 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI185654-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from acute pneumonia or infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those not infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding a newly discovered regulator, PA1627, which plays a crucial role in controlling the type III secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium known for causing difficult-to-treat infections. By exploring how PA1627 regulates this system, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could help combat antibiotic resistance. The approach involves both in vitro and in vivo experiments to elucidate the mechanisms of PA1627 and its impact on bacterial virulence. Patients with infections caused by this pathogen may benefit from the insights gained through this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting the type III secretion system has been explored, the specific focus on the PA1627 regulator represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pritchett, Christopher L. — East Tennessee State University
- Study coordinator: Pritchett, Christopher L.
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.