Understanding and manipulating a tick-borne bacteria that causes human illness
Official title: Reversible transformation of Anaplasma phagocytophilum using Cre-Lox recombination
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10994607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tick-borne bacteria that can make people sick, and the researchers want to create new tools to learn more about how it works, which could help find better ways to prevent and treat the illnesses it causes.
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 start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $267,401 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AI179931-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with anaplasmosis or are at high risk of tick exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of tick exposure or are not affected by tick-borne diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is transmitted by ticks and can cause severe illness in humans. The project aims to develop new genetic tools to better understand this bacteria and its functions, which are currently difficult to study due to its complex biology. By using advanced molecular techniques, the researchers hope to manipulate the bacteria's genes to restore their function, which could lead to improved understanding and treatment of the diseases it causes. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for anaplasmosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for patients affected by anaplasmosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic manipulation techniques to study other tick-borne pathogens, indicating potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oliver, Jonathan D — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Oliver, Jonathan D
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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.