Understanding how infections affect cell survival and death.
Official title: Identification of the molecular regulation between cell survival and cell death in response to infection induced inflammasome activation.
Funded at South Dakota State University · NIH-11035196 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our cells decide to either fight off infections or give up and die, focusing on specific proteins that play a big role in this process, which could help us find better treatments for infections in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | South Dakota State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brookings, United States) |
| Project start | March 20, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $199,907 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM135008-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035196 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that involve immune responses to infections, particularly those related to cell death mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious conditions or those not affected by immune response-related cell death may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that determine whether cells survive or die in response to infections, focusing on the role of inflammasomes and caspases. Inflammasomes are protein complexes that detect pathogens and can trigger cell death through a process called pyroptosis. The study aims to uncover how certain signals influence whether a cell repairs itself or undergoes death, which is crucial for developing new treatments for infections. By examining the interactions between different proteins involved in this process, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to better therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance cell survival during infections, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding inflammasome activation and its effects on cell death, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
South Dakota State University
Brookings, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Imre, Gergely — South Dakota State University
- Study coordinator: Imre, Gergely
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Identifying protective mechanisms to lower artery cholesterol
A study to find ways to boost cholesterol removal from artery walls to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
-
Growth and survival of Listeria in pet foods
This grant studies how the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes grows and survives in different types of pet foods to understand risks to pets and people.
-
Antibiotic resistance monitoring of meat and seafood sold in South Dakota and North Dakota
This project tests how common antibiotic-resistant bacteria are in store-bought meat and seafood from SD and ND to help protect public health.
-
WGS-based pathogen profiling to combat antimicrobial resistance in veterinary settings
This grant supports using whole genome sequencing at a veterinary lab to help track and reduce antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from animals.
-
Interactive, reproducible enrichment-analysis tool for cancer-related genes
A user-friendly, web-based tool helps researchers understand how gene changes relate to cancer biology in a clear, interactive way.
-
How tiny cellular antennae (primary cilia) control lymphatic vessel growth
Researchers are looking at how tiny cellular antennae called primary cilia control lymphatic vessel growth to help people with lymphedema, transplant complications, or cancer-related swelling.
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.