Understanding a new regulator that affects the behavior of a harmful bacteria.
Official title: Characterization of a novel post-transcriptional regulator in P. aeruginosa
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11104214 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special protein in the bacteria that causes infections in people with cystic fibrosis to see how it helps the bacteria grow and form harmful clusters, which could help us find better ways to fight these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 25, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $868,776 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI189786-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11104214 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cystic fibrosis or those suffering from chronic infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cystic fibrosis or are not affected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a newly identified RNA-binding protein called PhaF in the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known to cause serious infections, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. The study aims to uncover how PhaF regulates the bacteria's ability to cause disease by identifying its target genes during different growth phases and in conditions that mimic infections. By using clinical isolates and animal models, the research will explore the role of PhaF in biofilm formation and virulence, which are critical factors in chronic infections. This could lead to a better understanding of how to combat infections caused by this pathogen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly in cystic fibrosis patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of some RNA-binding proteins in bacterial virulence has been studied, the specific focus on PhaF in Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dove, Simon L — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dove, Simon L
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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.