Understanding how bacteria in tsetse flies help them survive on blood
Official title: Investigation of blood fitness genes in the tsetse fly symbiont Sodalis glossinidius
Funded at University of Richmond · NIH-10873436 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific bacterium in tsetse flies to understand how it survives in their guts, which could help us learn more about how these flies spread diseases like sleeping sickness in Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Richmond NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $416,165 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI178416-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873436 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals living in sub-Saharan Africa who are at risk of diseases caused by trypanosomes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in areas affected by tsetse flies or who are not at risk for trypanosomiasis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific bacterium, Sodalis glossinidius, found in tsetse flies, which are known to transmit diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. The study aims to identify genes that allow this bacterium to thrive in the blood-rich environment of the tsetse fly's gut. By creating mutations in these genes, researchers will assess how these changes affect the bacterium's growth and its ability to colonize the tsetse fly. This work could provide insights into the relationship between the bacterium and the transmission of diseases like African trypanosomiasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for controlling the spread of diseases transmitted by tsetse flies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating the symbiotic relationship between S. glossinidius and tsetse flies is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding host-microbe interactions in other disease vectors.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Richmond
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Runyen-Janecky, Laura Jane — University of Richmond
- Study coordinator: Runyen-Janecky, Laura Jane
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.