Understanding how Brucella gene silencing affects its ability to cause disease
Official title: Determining the molecular basis of gene silencing by MucR and defining its role in Brucella virulence
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-11377343 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying Brucella bacteria to uncover how a protein called MucR helps the bacteria turn off genes and how this affects its ability to cause illness in animals and people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | July 14, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $581,515 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172822-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377343 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals or communities in which Brucella infection is a concern, and future work may inform vaccines or therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without Brucella exposure or those not involved in disease research would not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Brucella infections are a major global health concern, especially where animal brucellosis is common. Researchers will use genetic and biochemical methods to test whether MucR acts like a gene silencer and to identify other factors that can counter this silencing. The project will also examine whether the coordinated control of virulence genes by MucR and counter-silencers is necessary for the bacteria to cause disease in mice and in cultured cells. This work could reveal new targets to interrupt Brucella’s infection process. The study is conducted at East Carolina University under the PI Roy M. Roop.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could point to new strategies to prevent or treat Brucella infections in animals and reduce human risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown MucR’s role in virulence regulation, with potential for translating findings into interventions in Brucella infections.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roop, Roy M — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Roop, Roy M
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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.