Understanding how certain bacteria interact with host cells
Official title: Regulation of the Sinorhizobium meliloti ExoS/ChvI signaling pathway critical for host infection
Funded at California State University Fullerton · NIH-10908372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific signaling pathway in a type of bacteria affects its ability to interact with plants and animals, which could help us understand how these bacteria can either cause problems or help their hosts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Fullerton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fullerton, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $106,500 |
| NIH project number | 5SC3GM144065-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by infections from alpha-proteobacteria such as Brucella or Bartonella.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have infections related to alpha-proteobacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the ExoS/ChvI signaling pathway in Sinorhizobium meliloti, a type of bacteria that can interact with both plants and animals. By using molecular genetic techniques, the study aims to identify small RNA genes regulated by this pathway and understand how it influences the bacteria's ability to invade host cells. The findings could shed light on the mechanisms that allow these bacteria to either cause disease or form beneficial relationships with their hosts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by harmful bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial signaling pathways, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Esther J — California State University Fullerton
- Study coordinator: Chen, Esther 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.