Understanding how Lyme Disease Bacteria Adapt to Survive
Functional and Mechanistic Studies of the Role of Lp17-encoded Factors in Host Adaptation by the Lyme Disease Spirochete
['FUNDING_R01'] · WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11137610
This project explores how the bacteria that cause Lyme disease change and adapt to successfully live inside both ticks and people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PULLMAN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137610 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, which must adapt quickly to survive in both ticks and mammals, including humans. Our goal is to understand how certain genes within these bacteria help them adjust to different environments, allowing them to cause infection. We are particularly interested in how the number of copies of specific genes affects the bacteria's ability to adapt and colonize tissues. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to learn more about how Lyme disease establishes itself in the body.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not directly involve patient participation, but future clinical applications would benefit individuals at risk for or suffering from Lyme disease.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by Lyme disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat Lyme disease by targeting the bacteria's ability to adapt and infect.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from this lab and others has provided initial evidence for the importance of these genetic factors in bacterial adaptation, suggesting a promising direction for this research.
Where this research is happening
PULLMAN, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY — PULLMAN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BANKHEAD, TROY MICHAEL — WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BANKHEAD, TROY MICHAEL
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 below.