Investigating how outer membrane vesicles from E. coli contribute to severe kidney disease.
Official title: Outer Membrane Vesicles in Shiga Toxin-Mediated Inflammatory and Thrombotic Responses Leading to Systemic Disease
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-10881901 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny bubbles made by a harmful bacteria called E. coli can cause serious kidney problems and other health issues, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how this bacteria affects the body, especially the kidneys.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $247,884 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171610-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881901 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced severe gastrointestinal symptoms or complications related to EHEC infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of EHEC infection or related gastrointestinal diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) produced by Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) can lead to serious kidney damage and systemic disease. By examining the interaction of these OMVs with kidney cells and inflammatory cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which Shiga toxin enters the bloodstream and affects organ function. The research employs animal models to simulate the disease process and assess the inflammatory responses triggered by these vesicles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by EHEC infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying OMVs in this context is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding bacterial pathogenesis and its effects on human health.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leong, John M — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Leong, John M
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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.