Investigating how Coxiella bacteria interact with host cell cholesterol
Official title: Coxiella secreted proteins mediating inter-organelle membrane contact sites
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10734795 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the germ that causes Q fever changes cholesterol levels in our cells to help it survive, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about this infection and finding new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | November 4, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173990-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10734795 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Q fever or are at risk of infection from Coxiella burnetii.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bacterial infections not related to Coxiella burnetii may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Coxiella burnetii, the bacterium that causes Q fever, survives within host cells by manipulating cholesterol levels. The study aims to identify specific proteins secreted by the bacterium that interact with host cell structures to regulate cholesterol metabolism. By using advanced bioinformatics and experimental techniques, researchers will explore how these proteins affect the relationship between different organelles in the host cell. This could lead to new insights into bacterial infections and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Coxiella burnetii.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting cholesterol manipulation by Coxiella is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding bacterial interactions with host cell metabolism.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilk, Stacey D — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Gilk, Stacey D
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.