Understanding how a calcium sensor helps Pseudomonas infections resist the immune system
Official title: Establishing ROS sensitivity in a calcium sensor EfhP
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11438133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a calcium sensor to survive and cause infections in people with conditions like cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $72,348 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AI202223-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11438133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cystic fibrosis or other conditions prone to Pseudomonas infections may ultimately benefit from therapies informed by this work.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project does not involve patient participation and may not directly benefit healthy individuals.
What this research studies
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a dangerous pathogen that adapts its behavior to persist in the human body. The grant focuses on a bacterial calcium sensor called EfhP and how it helps the bacteria respond to calcium and reactive oxygen species produced by the immune system. By studying this sensor and its role in virulence and resistance to oxidative stress, researchers aim to reveal new angles for treating infections. The work involves molecular and biochemical experiments to understand how EfhP functions at a detailed level within the bacteria. Results could point toward targets for therapies that reduce Pa’s ability to cause disease in vulnerable patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat Pseudomonas infections in CF patients and others with weakened defenses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that bacterial Ca2+ sensing and oxidative stress responses are linked to virulence, supporting potential translational impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patrauchan, Marianna a. — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Patrauchan, Marianna a.
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.