John V. Cox, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, and associate dean in the College of Graduate Health Sciences at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his research of Chlamydia, one of the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Women who are infected can develop a wide range of serious reproductive health problems, including infertility and ectopic pregnancy.

"The goal of the research that is funded by this NSF grant is to define mechanisms that regulate the novel cell division process of Chlamydia," Cox said. "Once we understand these processes, we may be able to develop specific therapies to eliminate Chlamydia genital tract infections and avoid the unwanted consequences of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapies."

Cox's research project is entitled, "Collaborative Research: Mechanism of Polarized Budding in Chlamydia."