Understanding how a gut bacterium causes serious infections and cancer
Official title: Type VII secretion in Streptococcus gallolyticus adherence
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-10739802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific bacteria called Streptococcus gallolyticus sticks to the gut and can lead to serious infections and even cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to stop it from causing harm.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | November 14, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $220,309 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI166688-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of colorectal cancer or those at risk of infections caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any gastrointestinal issues or are not at risk for infections related to this bacterium may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the bacterium Streptococcus gallolyticus adheres to the colonic epithelium, which is crucial for its ability to cause severe infections like bacteremia and infective endocarditis, as well as its role in promoting colorectal cancer. The researchers aim to uncover how this bacterium colonizes the gut and affects the integrity of the gut barrier. By studying the type VII secretion system of this bacterium, they hope to identify new ways to prevent its harmful effects on health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing serious infections and colorectal cancer associated with Streptococcus gallolyticus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial adherence mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Yi — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Xu, Yi
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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.