Understanding how Borrelia burgdorferi adapts to stress during Lyme disease infection
Official title: Redox Regulation of DksA-dependent Borrelia burgdorferi infectivity
Funded at Creighton University · NIH-10893931 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, cope with tough conditions in ticks and animals, focusing on the special proteins that help them survive, which could lead to better ways to understand and treat Lyme disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Creighton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $422,997 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI167880-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893931 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Lyme disease or are at high risk of infection due to exposure to ticks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Lyme disease or are not at risk of exposure to Borrelia burgdorferi may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease, survives and thrives under various environmental stresses it encounters in ticks and mammalian hosts. The study focuses on the role of specific proteins and molecules that help the bacteria manage oxidative stress, which is crucial for its infectivity. By examining how these stress responses affect the bacterium's ability to cause disease, the research aims to uncover new insights into Lyme disease pathology and potential treatment targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Lyme disease by targeting the mechanisms that allow the bacteria to survive in hostile environments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the stress responses of other pathogens, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into Borrelia burgdorferi as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Creighton University
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bourret, Travis J — Creighton University
- Study coordinator: Bourret, Travis J
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.