Understanding how Campylobacter jejuni bacteria thrive in the gut
Integration of nutrient availability, TCA cycle activity, and colonization factor expression in Campylobacter jejuni
This project explores how Campylobacter jejuni, a common cause of food poisoning, adapts to the gut environment to cause infection and illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11120948 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Campylobacter jejuni is a major cause of food poisoning, often leading to severe diarrhea and inflammation. We want to understand how these bacteria sense and adapt to the conditions inside the human intestine, which helps them colonize and cause disease. Our work focuses on a unique bacterial regulator, called HeuR, that helps Campylobacter establish itself in the gut. By learning more about HeuR and its role in acquiring nutrients and invading cells, we hope to uncover new ways to fight these infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies stemming from this work could benefit individuals susceptible to or suffering from Campylobacter infections.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by Campylobacter jejuni infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Campylobacter infections, which are a major cause of foodborne illness worldwide.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on our group's prior discovery of a unique regulator in C. jejuni, indicating a novel approach to understanding this specific pathogen.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Jeremiah — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Jeremiah
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 below.