Investigating how certain amino acid transporters affect gas gangrene caused by bacteria in diabetic and normal mice.
Official title: Evaluating the role of branched chain amino acid transporters in Clostridium perfringens-induced gas gangrene in diabetic and normal mouse models
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10867462 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins that help move branched chain amino acids in the body might affect the risk of getting a serious muscle infection called gas gangrene, especially in people with diabetes, to help find better ways to prevent and treat this infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $222,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178207-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867462 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are at risk for developing gas gangrene due to infected wounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those not at risk for gas gangrene may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of branched chain amino acid (BCAA) transporters in the development of gas gangrene, a severe muscle infection caused by Clostridium perfringens. The study uses mouse models, including both diabetic and normal mice, to understand how these transporters contribute to the bacteria's ability to thrive in infected muscle tissue. By examining the expression of specific genes related to BCAA transport, the research aims to uncover why individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to this life-threatening infection. The findings could lead to new insights into prevention and treatment strategies for gas gangrene.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for gas gangrene, particularly in diabetic patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating BCAA transporters in gas gangrene is novel, related research has shown that understanding host factors can significantly impact treatment outcomes in similar infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mc Clane, Bruce a — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mc Clane, Bruce a
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.