Understanding how the shape of Helicobacter pylori affects its ability to cause disease
Mechanisms and consequence of helical shape generation in Helicobacter pylori
This study is looking at how the spiral shape of a germ called Helicobacter pylori helps it live in the stomach and cause problems like ulcers and cancer, and it aims to understand how changing this shape might affect its ability to make us sick.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061899 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the unique helical shape of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori influences its ability to colonize the human stomach and cause diseases such as peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. By manipulating the bacterial cell shape, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind shape generation and its functional consequences. The study employs advanced techniques like cryo-electron tomography to visualize and analyze the bacterial structure and its interactions with the host environment. This research could provide insights into how bacterial shape contributes to infection and disease progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic Helicobacter pylori infections or those at risk for related gastric diseases.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Helicobacter pylori infections or related gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by Helicobacter pylori, potentially reducing the incidence of gastric cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial shape and its impact on infection, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salama, Nina — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Salama, Nina
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.