Investigating how bacteria can kill harmful amoebas that infect the brain
Official title: Determining the mechanism of cell death of small molecules produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa against Acanthamoeba castellanii
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10826918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common bacteria can create tiny molecules that kill a harmful amoeba that causes serious brain infections, with the hope of finding new treatments to help patients affected by these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI181569-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10826918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with infections caused by Acanthamoeba castellanii.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other pathogens or those not affected by Acanthamoeba may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa can produce small molecules that are lethal to the amoeba Acanthamoeba castellanii, which is known to cause severe brain infections. The researchers have found that certain compounds secreted by P. aeruginosa can effectively kill these amoebas without harming human cells. By isolating and identifying these small molecules, the study aims to develop new treatments for infections caused by Acanthamoeba. Patients may benefit from this research if effective treatments are discovered that can combat these dangerous infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from life-threatening amoebic infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using bacterial compounds to target amoebas is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colón Ríos, Rebecca Isabel — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Colón Ríos, Rebecca Isabel
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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.