Understanding how beneficial bacteria colonize their animal hosts
Official title: Genetic analysis of beneficial bacterial colonization
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11091821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific type of bacteria, called Vibrio fischeri, works with squid to live in their light organ, which could help us learn more about how bacteria interact with their animal hosts and what that means for our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $56,926 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM148385-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091821 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the role of bacteria in health and disease, particularly those with conditions related to microbial imbalances.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to bacterial colonization or those not interested in microbiome research may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular communication between bacteria and their animal hosts, specifically focusing on how the bacterium Vibrio fischeri colonizes the light organ of squid. By studying this unique system, researchers aim to understand the mechanisms that allow a single bacterial species to thrive in the presence of many competitors. The approach involves genetic manipulation of the bacteria and real-time imaging of the colonization process in live animals, providing insights into bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation. This research could lead to a better understanding of host-microbe interactions and their implications for health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of beneficial bacterial colonization, potentially leading to new therapies for infections or ways to promote healthy microbiomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on similar bacterial colonization models has shown promising results, indicating that understanding these interactions can lead to significant advancements in microbiome science.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mandel, Mark J — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Mandel, Mark J
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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.