Understanding how a two-component system controls Group B Streptococcus to prevent newborn infections
Official title: Characterization of a two component regulatory system in Group B Streptococcus
Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11366069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in Group B Streptococcus examines how a bacterial signaling system controls colonization and infection, with the goal of preventing transmission from mother to baby.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Binghamton, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $313,382 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI190087-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are pregnant individuals with GBS colonization or researchers studying maternal-fetal infections; future translational steps would target prevention strategies for colonization.
✕Less likely to help
People not affected by GBS colonization or neonatal infection may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic research.
What this research studies
If this research succeeds, it could lead to new ways to stop Group B Streptococcus from colonizing the maternal vagina and passing infection to newborns, reducing reliance on antibiotics during delivery. The project will map how the SaeRS system senses its environment, identifies the signals from the vaginal tract, and reveals the networks it uses to turn genes on and off. It will also explore the BvaP protein and its role in how the bacteria attach to surfaces and form colonies. The work combines laboratory studies of bacterial behavior with analyses that mimic conditions in the vaginal environment to understand how colonization occurs in vivo.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could pave the way for strategies to prevent maternal GBS colonization and neonatal infection, potentially reducing antibiotic exposure during birth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that similar bacterial regulatory systems influence colonization and infection, supporting potential for meaningful advances.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of Ny,binghamton
Binghamton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cook, Laura Carol Case — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Cook, Laura Carol Case
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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.