Understanding how Clostridioides difficile adapts and survives in the gut
Official title: Defining the role of phenotypic heterogeneity in Clostridioides difficile fitness
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11066173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria Clostridioides difficile changes in the gut to make toxins that can cause serious infections, and it aims to find new ways to prevent or treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | November 18, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $521,030 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI188648-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066173 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced or are at risk for C. difficile infections, particularly those with a history of antibiotic use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of C. difficile infections or are not at risk for such infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria Clostridioides difficile, which can cause severe intestinal infections, adapts to the gut environment to produce harmful toxins. The study focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate the bacteria's ability to move and produce toxins, particularly through a process called phase variation. By examining these processes in animal models, the research aims to uncover how different bacterial populations can coexist and impact infection outcomes. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by C. difficile.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from C. difficile infections, potentially reducing the severity and frequency of these infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial behavior and genetics can lead to significant advancements in treating infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tamayo, Rita — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Tamayo, Rita
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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.