# Diversity Supplement:  Type VII secretion in Streptococcus gallolyticus pathogenesis

> **NIH NIH R01** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · 2024 · $20,652

## Abstract

Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (Sgg) is implicated in life-threatening bacteremia, infective
endocarditis (IE) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite its clinical importance, the underlying virulence
mechanism of Sgg is poorly understood. Recent findings from our lab demonstrated that a type VII secretion
system (T7SS) plays a significant role in Sgg virulence. In preliminary studies to further dissect the activities
mediated by the T7SS, EsxA, a specific T7SS effector, was found to be crucial in influencing colonic epithelial
homeostasis likely by targeting a host cell surface receptor of critical function. The goal of the parent R01
proposal is to further delineate the importance of EsxA in Sgg virulence and to elucidate its mechanism of action
in colonic epithelial cells and animal models.
This supplement proposal will further extend the studies proposed
in the parent R01 to investigating the contribution of EsxA and other T7SSs in host immune responses to Sgg.
Completion of the proposed studies is expected to shed light on the role of T7SS in host immune responses to
Sgg and gain a more comprehensive view of the activities of Sgg T7SS across different host cell types. The
results will further advance our understanding of Sgg virulence mechanism and T7SS functionality. The
supplement proposal will also provide training for a student from an underrepresented group in the area of
molecular pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. A career development and mentorship plan is provided
and outlines training in research skills, graduate education, and career development with the goal of ensuring
the candidate student to be a competitive and successful researcher in the future.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11064550
- **Project number:** 3R01AI163206-01A1S1
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** YI XU
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $20,652
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2023-12-01 → 2028-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11064550

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11064550, Diversity Supplement:  Type VII secretion in Streptococcus gallolyticus pathogenesis (3R01AI163206-01A1S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11064550. Licensed CC0.

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