Understanding Anaerobic Bacteria in Cystic Fibrosis Airways
The role of anaerobic microbiota in cystic fibrosis airway disease trajectory
This research explores how certain bacteria in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis affect their health, especially in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097299 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that specific anaerobic bacteria are found in the airways of people with cystic fibrosis, but we don't fully understand how they contribute to the disease. This project aims to uncover how these bacteria interact with each other, with the lung lining, and with other common infection-causing bacteria like P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. By studying these interactions, particularly in the early stages of cystic fibrosis, we hope to learn more about how the disease progresses. This knowledge could help us find new ways to target these organisms and improve treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms in cystic fibrosis, particularly in pediatric airways, and does not directly recruit patients for intervention.
Not a fit: Patients not diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or those without airway infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis by targeting specific anaerobic bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: While the presence of anaerobes in CF airways is increasingly recognized, their precise mechanistic contributions are still poorly understood, making this a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hunter, Ryan Coulson — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Hunter, Ryan Coulson
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.