How bacteria communicate and interact with viruses and other organisms
Intra- and Inter- Species Communication in Bacteria
This study is looking at how bacteria talk to each other and to viruses, which could help us find new ways to use viruses to treat infections caused by bad bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10979175 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacteria communicate with each other and with viruses through a process called quorum sensing. By studying the signaling molecules that bacteria produce, the researchers aim to understand how these interactions influence bacterial behavior and health. The project will use various techniques, including mutagenesis and bioassays, to explore how phages (viruses that infect bacteria) respond to bacterial signals and how these interactions can affect human health. The ultimate goal is to develop new phage therapies that can combat diseases caused by harmful bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections that may be resistant to traditional antibiotics.
Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or those who do not have bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for bacterial infections using phage therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using phage therapy to treat bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- Princeton University — Princeton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bassler, Bonnie L — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Bassler, Bonnie L
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.