Using engineered yeast to treat gastrointestinal infections
Expanding the therapeutic capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii for the treatment of gastrointestinal infections
This study is exploring a special type of probiotic yeast that could help treat gut infections caused by bad bacteria, aiming to provide a better option than traditional antibiotics for people dealing with infections like C. difficile.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015797 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a specially engineered probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, to deliver targeted therapies for gastrointestinal infections caused by harmful bacteria. The approach focuses on overcoming the challenges of traditional antibiotic treatments, such as antibiotic resistance and negative effects on beneficial gut microbes. By utilizing advanced genetic engineering techniques, the study aims to enhance the yeast's ability to produce and secrete anti-infective proteins directly in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with infections like Clostridioides difficile and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing gastrointestinal infections, particularly those caused by Clostridioides difficile or enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis.
Not a fit: Patients with gastrointestinal infections not caused by the targeted pathogens or those who do not respond to probiotic therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel and effective treatment option for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat gastrointestinal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using engineered probiotics for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wallace, Miranda — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Wallace, Miranda
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.