Understanding how proteins attach in anthrax spores
Official title: Describing the stable, non-covalent BclA-BxpB attachment in B. anthracis spores
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11088754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain proteins in the protective outer layer of anthrax spores to understand how they help the spores survive, which could lead to better ways to detect and treat anthrax for those affected by the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | May 14, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $180,056 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175964-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088754 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who may be at risk of anthrax exposure, including those in certain occupational settings or regions where anthrax is prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk of anthrax exposure or who have already been vaccinated against anthrax may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the attachment of specific proteins in the spores of Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax. It focuses on the exosporium, a protective layer surrounding the spores, which plays a crucial role in their survival and the progression of the disease. By examining the proteins BclA and BxpB, the study aims to clarify how these proteins assemble and contribute to the structure of the exosporium. This knowledge could help in developing better detection and treatment strategies for anthrax.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for detecting and treating anthrax infections.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant progress in understanding the proteins involved in anthrax spores, this specific approach to studying their assembly is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turnbough, Charles Lee — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Turnbough, Charles Lee
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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.