Understanding how Chlamydia bacteria survive and cause disease
Official title: Saturating transposon mutagenesis for Chlamydia
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11087664 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Chlamydia bacteria manage to survive and cause infections in our bodies, with the goal of finding new ways to treat it, especially since there aren't any good vaccines available yet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,966 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185681-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087664 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with Chlamydia trachomatis infections or are at high risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with Chlamydia or those who have already received effective treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Chlamydia trachomatis, a common bacterial pathogen, survives and causes disease within human cells. The team will use a technique called transposon mutagenesis to identify and manipulate genes that contribute to the bacteria's ability to evade the immune system and establish infections. By genetically altering the bacteria, researchers aim to uncover critical insights into their biology and pathogenicity, which could lead to new treatment strategies. This approach is particularly important given the lack of effective vaccines against Chlamydia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for Chlamydia infections, enhancing reproductive health and reducing disease transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using transposon mutagenesis in other bacterial systems has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fields, Kenneth a — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Fields, Kenneth a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
East Palestine health impact study following train derailment
A community-engaged study in East Palestine will follow residents to understand health symptoms, exposure markers, and air quality after a major train derailment.
-
Grade C Periodontitis in Young People: Genetic Clues to a Severe, Early Condition
A research team is studying why some young people develop a severe form of gum disease called Grade C periodontitis and how genetics and bacteria like Aa may contribute.
-
Regulation of exon junction complex in cancer biology
This grant studies how a key molecular complex that controls RNA processing acts in cancer, with the aim of understanding how it contributes to cancer cell behavior.
-
Alcohol use and suicidal thoughts: how decision-making affects risk
This project looks at how acute alcohol use and people’s decision-making patterns relate to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults.
-
Kentucky workplace health surveillance program improving safety for workers
A national institute-funded program is supporting Kentucky to monitor and improve safety and health at work for better protection of workers.
-
Gabapentin use in older adults and related health outcomes
This project will look at how gabapentin is used by older adults and whether that use is linked to health outcomes using Medicare data.
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.