Understanding how Fusobacterium nucleatum adapts and spreads in the body
Official title: Assembly and function of outer membrane tubules in Fusobacterium nucleatum
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11077831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common mouth bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, changes to survive in different parts of the body, which is important for understanding its role in diseases like colorectal cancer and pregnancy complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $471,710 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033900-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions linked to Fusobacterium nucleatum, including those at risk for colorectal cancer or pregnant women facing complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to Fusobacterium nucleatum or those not at risk for the diseases studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum adapts to different environments in the body, which is crucial for its ability to cause diseases such as colorectal cancer and complications during pregnancy. By using advanced techniques like genetics, electron microscopy, and animal models, the researchers aim to uncover how this bacterium forms unique structures on its surface that help it survive and interact with host cells. The study focuses on understanding the role of these structures in the bacterium's ability to evade the immune system and promote disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating diseases associated with Fusobacterium nucleatum, such as colorectal cancer and preterm birth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial adaptations can lead to significant advancements in treating infections and related diseases, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ton-That, Hung — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Ton-That, Hung
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.