Understanding how certain gut bacteria can cause infections
Official title: Molecular Programs Governing Enterococcal Translocation
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11131972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common gut bacterium can turn from being harmless to causing infections in people with gut health issues, and it aims to find out how this happens so we can develop better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $828,820 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184474-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11131972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with gastrointestinal disorders or dysbiosis that may predispose them to infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy gut microbiomes and no history of gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut bacterium Enterococcus faecalis can transition from a harmless microbe to a harmful pathogen in individuals with disrupted gut health. The study focuses on the mechanisms by which this bacterium breaches intestinal barriers and causes systemic infections, particularly looking at how it induces stress responses in intestinal cells. By exploring the molecular pathways involved, the research aims to uncover critical insights into the relationship between gut bacteria and intestinal health, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent life-threatening infections caused by gut bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial translocation and its implications for health, making this study a continuation of established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morales, Diana K. — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Morales, Diana K.
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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.