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Genome-Wide fitness analysis of Group B Streptococcus in intestinal colonization

Award Number: K08AI187792
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/19/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2031

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Genome-Wide fitness analysis of Group B Streptococcus in intestinal colonization - Project Summary: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus [GBS]) remains a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Late-onset (LO) disease (occurring at >7 days of life) is now the most common manifestation of invasive GBS infection in infants, with sequelae of neurodevelopmental impairment in nearly 25% of survivors. Despite its importance, there are no effective strategies to reduce the incidence of LO disease or to identify those infants who may be most at risk. Gastrointestinal (GI) colonization is an important precursor to LO disease. We have developed a murine model of postnatal GBS acquisition that results in sustained GI colonization and sporadic progression to invasive disease, enabling examination of bacterial and host factors that drive colonization, invasion, and clearance. Our group has also applied transposon insertion sequencing (Tn-seq) to GBS, facilitating genome-wide determination of bacterial gene fitness in blood and amniotic fluid. Using Tn-seq in the in vivo murine model, we will identify GBS genes that are essential for GI colonization, thus providing specific targets relevant to the pathogenesis of LO disease. My Specific Aims include 1) identifying essential GBS genes for GI colonization and 2) determining underlying mechanisms of reduced GI colonization fitness of these genes. We will identify essential genes at specific anatomic sites and validate these genes by creating targeted allelic exchange mutants in multiple GBS strains and serotypes. Elucidating GBS genes that are critical for GI colonization will provide valuable information about the pathogenesis of LO disease. I am firmly committed to a career in perinatal pathogens, with a focus on LO disease. I am supported in my endeavors by my strong mentorship team and the Department of Pediatrics at the NYUGSoM. The current proposal has an in-depth mentorship and didactic plan designed to advance my knowledge, strengthen my technical expertise, and broaden my experimental repertoire through hands-on training in bioinformatics, molecular genetics and immunological assays. Successful completion of this proposal will provide me with the foundational skills and expertise to establish myself as an independent investigator focussed on the interplay between gut barrier dysfunction and perinatal pathogens, and to elucidate their impact on neonates, paticularly preterm infants.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $206,496 )
2026	2026	NEW YORK UNIVERSITY	550 1ST AVE	NEW YORK	NY	10016	NEW YORK	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	8/19/2026	NEW	$206,496
														Subtotal = $206,496

Grand Total All Awards = $206,496

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Genome-Wide fitness analysis of Group B Streptococcus in intestinal colonization

Award Number: K08AI187792

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/19/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/31/2031

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