Wolbachia bacteria's role in nematode survival and disease
Official title: Wolbachia disrupts eukaryotic endolysosomal membrane dynamics
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-10764711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of bacteria called Wolbachia helps certain worms survive and cause diseases like lymphatic filariasis, with the hope of finding new ways to treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $221,972 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171573-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10764711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with lymphatic filariasis or related filarial diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with filarial nematodes or do not have related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Wolbachia bacteria, which live inside certain parasitic nematodes, help these worms survive and cause diseases like lymphatic filariasis. By using yeast as a model organism, the researchers aim to understand the interactions between Wolbachia and its nematode host at a molecular level. The study focuses on how Wolbachia affects the host's cellular processes, which could lead to new ways to control these harmful parasites. If successful, this research could provide insights into developing effective treatments for infections caused by these nematodes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by parasitic nematodes, potentially improving health outcomes for millions of affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting Wolbachia to treat filarial infections, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Starai, Vincent Joseph — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Starai, Vincent Joseph
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.