Mucin prevents the breakdown of pneumonia-causing bacteria
Official title: Mucin inhibits pneumococcal stationary phase autolysis
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-10997930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a substance in mucus called mucin helps the harmful bacteria that cause infections like bronchitis and pneumonia in kids survive longer, with the goal of finding new ways to fight these infections in young patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AI186447-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are at risk for or suffering from respiratory infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those with infections caused by other types of bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mucin, a component of mucus, affects the survival of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for serious infections like bronchitis and pneumonia in children. The study focuses on how mucin inhibits the autolysis, or self-destruction, of these bacteria, allowing them to survive longer in the body. By understanding this process, researchers aim to uncover new ways to combat bacterial infections, particularly in young patients who are more vulnerable. The methodology involves laboratory experiments that assess bacterial behavior in the presence of mucin compared to traditional growth media.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics against pneumonia-causing bacteria in children.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial survival mechanisms, making this approach a potentially valuable advancement in treating bacterial infections.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Cydney N — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Cydney N
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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.