Understanding how a protein called MucR helps Brucella bacteria cause illness
Determining the molecular basis of gene silencing by MucR and defining its role in Brucella virulence
['FUNDING_R01'] · EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11111292
This research aims to understand how a specific protein in Brucella bacteria helps them cause brucellosis, a serious infection in animals and people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GREENVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11111292 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Brucellosis is a major health concern in many parts of the world, especially where it affects food animals. This project focuses on a protein called MucR, which is crucial for Brucella bacteria to cause disease, but we don't fully understand how it works. We believe MucR acts like a 'gene silencer,' turning off certain genes that help the bacteria survive and multiply. By studying how MucR silences these genes and how other proteins might 'counter-silence' it, we hope to learn more about how Brucella causes infection. This knowledge could lead to new ways to fight brucellosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct benefit from participating in this laboratory-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of how Brucella causes disease could lead to the development of new treatments or vaccines for brucellosis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this laboratory has provided strong evidence for MucR's role, and similar gene-silencing mechanisms are known to be important in other bacterial infections.
Where this research is happening
GREENVILLE, UNITED STATES
- EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY — GREENVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROOP, ROY M — EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ROOP, ROY M
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.