Understanding how copper affects urinary tract infections caused by E. coli
Official title: Copper Sensing in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11017753 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how copper affects the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, aiming to find new ways to treat these infections by understanding how the bacteria respond to copper in the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI169748-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017753 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with UTIs caused by non-E. coli pathogens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of copper in urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), which is a leading cause of these infections. The study aims to understand how UPEC responds to increased copper levels during acute infections and how this affects its ability to persist in the host. By examining the mechanisms of copper efflux and sequestration, the research seeks to uncover new therapeutic targets that could lead to better treatments for UTIs. The approach involves analyzing the interactions between the bacteria and the host's immune response, particularly focusing on the varying copper concentrations in different anatomical sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for urinary tract infections, potentially reducing antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial responses to metal ions, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reasoner, Seth a — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Reasoner, Seth a
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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.