# The role of redox sensing in Listeria monocytogenes pathogenesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2021 · $363,982

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Intracellular pathogens account for a significant amount of morbidity and mortality world-wide. Here, the
model facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) will be used to investigate how bacterial
pathogens recognize and adapt to the host environment. Previous studies suggested a model in which specific
alterations in the redox environment are one of the biological cues detected by intracellular pathogens during
infection as a mechanism to sense their localization and regulate genes accordingly. Specifically, we identified
the redox-responsive transcriptional regulator SpxA1 as essential for aerobic growth in vitro and critical for Lm
virulence. Preliminary data revealed that SpxA1 regulates hundreds of genes in vitro and in vivo. These results
have set the stage for investigations into the specific genes that are required in each distinct growth
environment.
 Experiments proposed in Aim 1a will identify the genes that are required for Lm aerobic growth in vitro,
while Aim 1b and 1c will define the SpxA1-dependent genes required for pathogenesis. Experiments described
in Aim 2 will develop reporter strains with which to monitor SpxA1 activity and will apply these to define the
host signals that activate SpxA1 in vivo. Professional pathogens, such as Lm, have evolved to resist or evade
host-derived antimicrobial factors that target invading pathogens. We will use SpxA1-mediated transcriptional
adaptation as a sensitive readout with which to investigate these host defenses. Results from these studies will
identify the host cell stressors that are encountered during infection and the corresponding Lm transcriptional
response that is required for pathogenesis. A thorough understanding of the signaling cascades that are
activated during infection and the host cues that stimulate these pathways may reveal fundamental features of
the host cytosol that intracellular bacterial pathogens have evolved to detect.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10222513
- **Project number:** 5R01AI132356-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Michelle Lynne Reniere
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $363,982
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-25 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10222513

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10222513, The role of redox sensing in Listeria monocytogenes pathogenesis (5R01AI132356-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10222513. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*