Exploring how environmental changes affect the evolution of bacteria
Official title: Using Experimental Evolution to Evaluate Environmental Effects on Microbial Mutation and Adaptation
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11135020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two types of bacteria, E. coli and Lactobacillus crispatus, change and survive when their food supply goes up and down, which can help us understand their role in our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 8, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $123,036 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM150625-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by microbial health, such as gastrointestinal disorders or infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious diseases or those not affected by microbial imbalances may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacteria adapt to changing environments, particularly focusing on the feast/famine lifestyle where resources fluctuate. By studying two specific bacteria, E. coli and Lactobacillus crispatus, the research aims to understand how factors like oxygen availability influence their growth and survival. Using advanced techniques in microbiology, the researchers will conduct experiments to observe the evolutionary changes that occur in these microbes under different conditions. This work could provide insights into microbial behavior in human health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding of microbial adaptations that impact human health, potentially informing treatments for infectious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding microbial evolution, but this specific approach to studying feast/famine conditions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Behringer, Megan Grace — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Behringer, Megan Grace
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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.