Understanding how cholera bacteria form and spread in biofilms
Official title: Cell specific gene expression in the genesis and dispersal of Vibrio cholerae biofilm
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11139669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the cholera bacteria behave and communicate with each other, which could help us find better ways to prevent and treat cholera outbreaks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | January 3, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $240,060 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI185319-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in areas prone to cholera outbreaks, particularly those affected by natural disasters.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in cholera-endemic regions or who are not at risk of cholera infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the behavior of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria responsible for cholera, particularly how they form biofilms and disperse in response to host signals. By analyzing the gene expression of individual bacterial cells in both biofilm and free-floating states, researchers aim to uncover the different roles that various cell types play within these communities. The study employs advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to measure gene activity and cell interactions over time. This knowledge could lead to better strategies for preventing and treating cholera outbreaks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for controlling cholera outbreaks and reducing mortality rates associated with the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial behavior in biofilms, but this specific approach to studying Vibrio cholerae is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenthal, Adam — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Rosenthal, Adam
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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.