Understanding How Bacterial Toxins Affect Our Cells

Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Toxins Targeting the Actin Cytoskeleton

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11136372

This research helps us understand how harmful bacteria use their toxins to affect our body's cells, especially important as new infections emerge and antibiotics become less effective.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11136372 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

As new infections appear and existing ones become harder to treat due to antibiotic resistance, it's vital to understand how bacteria cause illness. This project looks closely at bacterial toxins, which are key tools bacteria use to harm our cells. Specifically, it focuses on how these toxins interact with a part of our cells called the actin cytoskeleton, which is crucial for cell shape and movement. By learning the detailed ways these toxins work, we hope to find new strategies to fight off infections and protect our health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients suffering from infections caused by bacteria like Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, or Salmonella enterica could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this fundamental understanding.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to bacterial infections or those not caused by the specific types of toxins being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to target and stop harmful bacteria, offering alternative treatments when antibiotics are no longer effective.

How similar studies have performed: This research explores novel and previously unknown ways that bacterial toxins interact with human cells, building on existing knowledge but focusing on new discoveries.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.