Linking bacterial behavior to human genetic mutations
Official title: Optical Sequencing to Link Quantitative Bacterial Phenotypes to Human Mutations
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11120526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain bacteria, like Legionella, can live and thrive inside our cells without getting caught by our immune system, and it aims to find out how our genes might affect how these bacteria grow, which could help us understand why some people get sick more easily.
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 | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $256,995 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190788-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic mutations that may influence their immune response to bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without relevant genetic mutations or those not affected by bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain bacteria, like Legionella pneumophila, survive and grow inside human cells, evading the immune system. By examining the interactions between these bacteria and host cell proteins, the study aims to identify which human mutations affect bacterial growth. The approach involves advanced techniques to quantitatively measure bacterial behavior in response to these mutations, providing insights into the mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their genetic makeup influences susceptibility to bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating bacterial infections based on individual genetic profiles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in linking host genetics to pathogen behavior, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Isberg, Ralph R. — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Isberg, Ralph R.
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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.