Staphylococcus aureus alphaPSMs: How individual peptides shape infection
Official title: Deciphering the unique and independent roles of the alpha Phenol Soluble Modulin (aPSM) peptides and aPSM transcript in Staphylococcus aureus
Funded at Ohio University Athens · NIH-11360925 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team will study how each individual alphaPSM peptide made by Staphylococcus aureus contributes to infection, biofilms, immune signals, and virulence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio University Athens NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $563,035 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI199958-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360925 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable as written; however, results may inform future therapies for patients at risk of S. aureus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage basic research; direct patient benefit will depend on subsequent translational work.
What this research studies
This project looks at the tiny peptide pieces produced by Staphylococcus aureus and asks what each one does on its own in the bacterial cell and during infections. By making bacterial strains that produce only one specific peptide, the researchers will observe changes in cell damage, biofilm formation, release of extracellular vesicles, and how the immune system reacts. The goal is to reveal distinct roles for each peptide so we can better understand how this pathogen causes disease and why some strains are more dangerous. The work combines genetic manipulation, cell-based assays, and analyses of bacterial behavior to build a clearer picture of αPSM function. If successful, findings could inform new strategies to prevent or treat S. aureus infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better-targeted therapies or prevention approaches for dangerous S. aureus infections could emerge from knowing which αPSM peptides drive virulence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows αPSMs influence virulence and phenotypes, but this study is novel in dissecting individual peptide contributions.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio University Athens
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carroll, Ronan — Ohio University Athens
- Study coordinator: Carroll, Ronan
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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.