Tools to edit Anaplasma bacteria that cause anaplasmosis
Reversible transformation of Anaplasma phagocytophilum using Cre-Lox recombination
Researchers are developing reversible genetic tools to change the bacteria that cause anaplasmosis so we can better understand how they make people sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247164 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to create a reversible genetic "swap" system for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the tick-borne bacterium that can cause severe anaplasmosis. Investigators will combine a himar1 transposon approach with Cre-Lox recombination to replace and restore bacterial genes in the lab. By turning genes off and then back on, they plan to identify which bacterial genes are responsible for infection and disease features. All work will be done in laboratory bacterial cultures and cellular models at the University of Minnesota.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have had anaplasmosis or who live in tick-prone areas and are willing to donate samples or be contacted about future related studies.
Not a fit: People without tick exposure or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could speed discovery of the bacterial genes that cause severe disease and help guide better diagnostics, treatments, or vaccine targets.
How similar studies have performed: Related genetic editing tools have succeeded in other bacteria, but applying reversible Cre-Lox systems to Anaplasma is largely new and experimental.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oliver, Jonathan D — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Oliver, Jonathan 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 below.