# Harnessing commensal redox metabolism in infection prevention

> **NIH NIH R01** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2024 · $841,796

## Abstract

Abstract: Many gut-infecting bacterial pathogens undergo growth expansion in the gut lumen as
part of the virulence, and as supported by their underlying metabolism. Commensal metabolism
in the gut provides an opportunity to impede these processes by depriving pathogens of growth-
promoting nutrients. Using the amino acid and carbohydrate-fermenting pathogen Clostridioides
difficile, we will evaluate how redox metabolism of target carbon sources by the pathogen and
commensals can enhance or limit its ability to colonize and infect the gut. Analyses will leverage
innovative approaches to track nutrient flow among pathogen, commensal, and host tissues.
Studies will further perturb host environments using carbon sources that are fermented by the
pathogen, protective commensals, or both, to assess their role in disease pathogenesis and
progression. Findings will inform small molecule and bacteriotherapeutic interventions in disease
prevention and treatment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10776787
- **Project number:** 1R01AI179807-01
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** LYNN BRY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $841,796
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-11-24 → 2028-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10776787

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10776787, Harnessing commensal redox metabolism in infection prevention (1R01AI179807-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/10776787. Licensed CC0.

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