Understanding how certain bacteria form protective communities that can cause infections.
Official title: Regulatory mechanism of novel host-relevant biofilm formation protein in non-Cholera Vibrio species
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-10897693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria, which aren't cholera but can still cause infections, stick together to form protective groups called biofilms, and it aims to understand a specific protein that helps these bacteria create their protective layers, which could lead to better ways to fight these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $107,120 |
| NIH project number | 5K22AI170662-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of infections caused by non-cholera Vibrio species, particularly those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria not related to non-cholera Vibrio species may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which non-cholera Vibrio species form biofilms, which are protective communities of bacteria that can lead to infections and drug resistance. The study focuses on a specific regulatory protein that controls the production of polysaccharides essential for biofilm formation. By using biochemical and structural studies, researchers aim to uncover how this protein functions and interacts with other molecules. This knowledge could help in developing strategies to combat bacterial infections associated with biofilms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections that are difficult to manage due to biofilm formation.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding biofilm formation in various bacterial species, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Milton, Morgan Eilise — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Milton, Morgan Eilise
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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.