Understanding how a specific RNA affects the virulence of Brucella bacteria
Official title: Elucidating the regulatory mechanism of a Brucella-specific small RNA required for virulence
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11009545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tiny piece of RNA called MavR to see how it helps Brucella bacteria cause infections in people and animals, with the hope of finding new ways to treat brucellosis, a disease that can be tough to manage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | January 9, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $228,146 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI182899-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with brucellosis or are at high risk of exposure to Brucella bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have brucellosis or are not at risk of exposure to Brucella bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a small RNA, known as MavR, in the virulence of Brucella bacteria, which can cause serious infections in humans and animals. The study focuses on how this RNA regulates a key enzyme involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, which is crucial for the bacteria's ability to survive and replicate within immune cells. By using animal models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind Brucella's pathogenicity and explore potential new treatment strategies. This work could lead to better understanding and management of brucellosis, a disease that currently lacks effective vaccines and has high relapse rates after antibiotic treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for brucellosis and potentially new strategies to prevent infections caused by Brucella bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial virulence mechanisms, but the specific approach of targeting small RNAs in Brucella is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caswell, Clayton C — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Caswell, Clayton C
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.