Understanding how bacteria that cause Lyme disease share genes
Phage-mediated horizontal gene transfer in Borrelia burgdorferi
['FUNDING_R01'] · MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY - BOZEMAN · NIH-11144309
This work explores how a virus living inside the Lyme disease bacteria helps them swap genetic material, which might explain how the bacteria survive and reinfect people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY - BOZEMAN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOZEMAN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11144309 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Lyme disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which are themselves infected by a virus called ϕBB-1. This virus can either make more copies of itself and burst out of the bacteria, or it can insert its genetic material into the bacteria's own DNA. We believe that this process allows the Lyme disease bacteria to share important genes, especially those that help them hide from the body's immune system. By understanding how this gene sharing works, we hope to learn more about how Lyme disease persists and spreads.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future clinical applications would target individuals at risk for or suffering from Lyme disease.
Not a fit: Patients currently seeking direct treatment for Lyme disease would not receive immediate benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat Lyme disease by targeting how the bacteria adapt and survive.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of phages in bacterial gene transfer is known in other bacteria, very few studies have specifically looked at this process in Borrelia burgdorferi.
Where this research is happening
BOZEMAN, UNITED STATES
- MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY - BOZEMAN — BOZEMAN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SECOR, PATRICK R — MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY - BOZEMAN
- Study coordinator: SECOR, PATRICK R
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.