Investigating essential genes in a harmful oral bacteria
Official title: Study of essential genes in Fusobacterium nucleatum
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11036052 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific bacteria that can cause serious health problems, like colorectal cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, to find important genes that help it survive, which could lead to new antibiotics that treat these issues without upsetting the good bacteria in your body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | September 16, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE034542-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036052 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from periodontal diseases or conditions linked to Fusobacterium nucleatum, such as colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any conditions associated with Fusobacterium nucleatum or those who are not affected by periodontal diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacteria linked to serious health issues like colorectal cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. The project aims to identify essential genes that are crucial for the survival of this bacteria, which could lead to the development of targeted antibiotics that do not disrupt the overall microbial balance in the body. By using advanced techniques such as CRISPR, the researchers will explore how these genes contribute to the bacteria's ability to thrive and cause disease. This approach seeks to provide a more effective treatment option for patients affected by conditions associated with this bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted antibiotics that effectively treat infections caused by Fusobacterium nucleatum without harming beneficial bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific bacterial genes for antibiotic development, indicating that this approach could be successful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Chenggang — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Wu, Chenggang
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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.