How bacteria change their DNA to survive challenges
Contribution of insertion sequence mediated tandem chromosomal amplification to bacterial heterogeneity
This project explores how tiny moving DNA pieces inside bacteria help them create different versions of themselves, especially when facing challenges like antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158820 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are full of bacteria, and sometimes they cause infections that are hard to treat. This project looks at special moving DNA segments, called insertion sequences (IS), within bacteria. These IS elements can make copies of other DNA segments, leading to many different types of bacteria within a single infection. Understanding how bacteria create these varied populations helps us learn why some bacteria become resistant to medicines. This fundamental work aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this bacterial adaptability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation, but its findings could eventually benefit anyone affected by bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by bacterial infections or antibiotic resistance would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, potentially leading to new ways to fight infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the general role of insertion sequences in bacterial evolution is known, this project focuses on a specific mechanism of DNA amplification that is less understood but potentially very common.
Where this research is happening
University Park, United States
- Pennsylvania State University, the — University Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meredith, Timothy C. — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Meredith, Timothy C.
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 below.