How a specific microorganism communicates and changes shape
Official title: Cell-cell signaling in archaea: How Haloferax volcanii talk to each other
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11063093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny microorganisms called Haloferax volcanii communicate with each other to change their shape and behavior, which could help us understand their role in our health and the human microbiome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AI181536-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the role of archaea in the human microbiome and its potential health implications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by microbiome-related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication methods of the archaeon Haloferax volcanii, focusing on how these microorganisms signal each other to change shape and behavior. By studying the effects of a secreted signaling molecule known as Disk Forming Signal (DFS), the research aims to understand the implications of archaeal signaling in the human microbiome. The methodology includes culturing H. volcanii and observing changes in cell morphology and motility in response to conditioned media. This could provide insights into the role of archaea in human health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of the human microbiome and lead to new strategies for managing microbial-related health issues.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on bacterial signaling are well-established, research specifically focusing on archaeal signaling is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chatterjee, Priyanka — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chatterjee, Priyanka
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.