Understanding how bacteria use ethanolamine for survival
Official title: Elucidating the parameters of intracellular ethanolamine utilization
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11117468 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a harmful bacteria called Listeria uses a substance found in our bodies to grow and survive during infections, which could help us understand how it causes illness and lead to better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $226,980 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190470-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117468 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes, such as pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised patients.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria that do not utilize ethanolamine may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain bacteria, particularly the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, utilize ethanolamine as a source of energy and nutrients during infection. The study aims to identify the specific genes involved in this process and their expression during the bacteria's lifecycle within host cells. By examining the intracellular environment where this utilization occurs, the research seeks to fill critical gaps in our understanding of bacterial metabolism and pathogenicity. This could lead to new insights into how these bacteria survive and replicate inside the human body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by Listeria monocytogenes and similar pathogens.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on ethanolamine utilization in Listeria monocytogenes is novel, similar research on bacterial metabolism has shown promising results in understanding pathogen survival.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garsin, Danielle a — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Garsin, Danielle a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core to support Cancer Control efforts
This grant funds a team that helps coordinate, communicate, and engage with communities to advance cancer control efforts.
-
Administrative and Engagement Core for Cancer Control
A core team will coordinate administration, communications, and community engagement to support cancer control efforts across several Texas institutions.
-
Understanding how neural crest cells shape the bones of the skull
A researcher will study how signals control the skull’s sutures, with potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of conditions like craniosynostosis.
-
Alzheimer’s disease and related brain changes linked to chemicals in the body
This NIH grant supports a patient-centered effort to map how environmental exposures and body chemistry relate to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Understanding how everyday exposures affect Alzheimer's disease progression
A national research effort is studying how environmental exposures, gut health, diet, and metabolism relate to Alzheimer's and related dementias to identify new ways to diagnose and treat these conditions.
-
How environment, gut health, and metabolism affect Alzheimer’s disease
This grant looks at how environmental exposures, gut microbes, diet, and metabolism influence Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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.