Understanding how the body fights urinary tract infections
Official title: Defining Stat3 Antimicrobial Mechanisms in Human Urothelium
Funded at Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · NIH-11140168 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called STAT3 helps your bladder fight off urinary tract infections (UTIs) by boosting its natural defenses, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent UTIs without just using antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, United States) |
| Project start | June 9, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $117,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DK140423-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140168 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who frequently experience urinary tract infections or are at high risk for developing them.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from urinary tract infections or have no history of urinary tract issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, STAT3, in the human bladder's ability to combat urinary tract infections (UTIs). By studying how this protein helps produce antimicrobial substances and responds to bacteria, the research aims to enhance the body's natural defenses against UTIs. The approach includes examining the interactions between the bladder lining and harmful bacteria, with the hope of identifying new therapeutic strategies that do not rely solely on antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that strengthen the body's defenses against urinary tract infections, reducing reliance on antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing host defenses against infections, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in UTI treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ching, Christina B — Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp
- Study coordinator: Ching, Christina B
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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.