Understanding how extraintestinal E. coli defends itself against reactive oxygen and chlorine
Official title: Response and defense mechanisms of extraintestinal Escherichia coli to reactive oxygen and chlorine species
Funded at Illinois State University · NIH-11368996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how extraintestinal E. coli survive and thrive when attacked by the body's defense systems to help prevent and treat infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Illinois State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Normal, United States) |
| Project start | June 17, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $555,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI194270-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with ExPEC infections or at risk for such infections could potentially benefit from future applications of this research.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science grant may not directly benefit patients during the study, but its findings could inform future therapies.
What this research studies
This project focuses on ExPEC, a type of E. coli that can live outside the gut and cause infections such as in the urinary tract. It will explore how these bacteria defend themselves against reactive oxygen and chlorine species produced by immune cells and host tissues. By examining the RcrR regulon and related genetic mechanisms under stress, the study aims to uncover targets that could lead to better infection prevention and treatment in the face of antibiotic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these defenses could lead to new strategies to prevent and treat ExPEC infections and curb antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work has shown that ExPEC have enhanced resistance to reactive species and neutrophil attack, with the RcrR regulon playing a key role.
Where this research is happening
-
Illinois State University
Normal, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dahl, Jan-Ulrik — Illinois State University
- Study coordinator: Dahl, Jan-Ulrik
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Bacterial stress responses and a potential new antimicrobial target
A bacteria-focused project explores how polyphosphate helps bacteria survive stress and how a drug already approved for humans could make bacteria more vulnerable to antibiotics.
-
Genetic repair of muscle problems in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)
Aims to improve muscle and organ function in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by testing genetic repair approaches and smooth muscle therapies.
-
Rapid, precise at‑home friendly diagnostic test using special antibodies and tiny light-boosting particles
A new point‑of‑care test uses specially arranged antibodies and enhanced particles to detect multiple disease markers quickly and accurately.
-
Improving antibody-gold nanoparticle interactions for better diagnostics
This study is working on making better tools for medical tests by improving how antibodies are attached to tiny gold particles, which could help make tests more accurate for diagnosing different health conditions.
-
Understanding how cholera bacteria attach and cause infection
This study is looking at how the bacteria that cause cholera stick to surfaces and form protective layers, focusing on a special structure they use to do this, which could help us find new ways to prevent cholera infections.
-
Understanding how bacteria respond to a new antimicrobial called AGXX
This study is looking at a new treatment called AGXX that might help fight tough infections caused by bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can be a problem for people with cystic fibrosis and burn injuries, to see if it can be a better option when antibiotics don’t work.
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.