Epitranscriptomic and post-transcriptional regulation of bacterial gene expression
Official title: Epitranscriptomic and post-transcriptional regulation of the RNome in gram negative and firmicute bacteria
Funded at Howard University · NIH-11348976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how bacteria control their genes after writing RNA, across several bacteria, to uncover new ways to fight infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Howard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $382,980 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152163-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patients directly; findings could inform future antibacterial therapies.
✕Less likely to help
No immediate patient participation or benefit since this is a basic science study in bacteria.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on how bacteria modify RNA after it’s made, which affects how they grow and respond to environments. Researchers will study RNA chemical changes in gram-negative bacteria, firmicutes, and mycobacteria using multiple high-tech methods to map these modifications and their impacts on protein production. The work could reveal targets for new antibacterial strategies by explaining how RNA modifications influence bacterial survival and virulence. The project is housed at Howard University with a focus on diverse bacterial models relevant to human infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat bacterial infections by targeting RNA-based regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows RNA modifications influence bacterial gene expression, but the full regulatory landscape remains incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
-
Howard University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thompson, Karl M — Howard University
- Study coordinator: Thompson, Karl M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.