Understanding how bacteria secrete proteins to invade hosts and evade the immune system
Molecular Mechanisms of the Type I Secretion System from Bacterial Pathogens
This study is looking at how some harmful bacteria use a special system to move proteins that help them invade our bodies and avoid our immune defenses, with the goal of finding new ways to fight these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10886584 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind the Type I secretion system (T1SS) used by certain bacterial pathogens to transport proteins that help them invade hosts and evade immune responses. By utilizing advanced techniques such as single particle cryo-electron microscopy and various bioinformatics and laboratory assays, the research aims to uncover how these bacteria recognize and transport large protein substrates across their membranes. The findings could provide insights into bacterial virulence and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, such as those caused by Bordetella pertussis.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria or non-bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments that target bacterial infections more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial secretion systems, but the specific mechanisms of T1SS remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mi, Wei — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mi, Wei
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.