How bacteria divide and how to stop them with new drugs
Official title: Coordination mechanisms between cell division and chromosome segregation in E. coli
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-11362528 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how E. coli cells divide at the molecular level to find new ways to stop bacterial growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $306,876 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM127413-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362528 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to specific patient groups in this grant.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not described in this grant.
What this research studies
This project looks at the steps by which bacterial cells, especially E. coli, reproduce and how the Z-ring and divisome drive cell division. By mapping interactions and timing of multiple proteins, scientists aim to understand what triggers the start of division and how it can be blocked. The results could point to novel targets for antibiotics that prevent bacteria from multiplying. The work combines modeling and laboratory study to reveal mechanisms that are common across many bacteria. Participants would contribute data and biological samples as part of ongoing experiments in controlled settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new antibacterial targets and strategies to prevent bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has advanced knowledge of bacterial division, but detailed mechanism understanding remains incomplete and could be transformative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mannik, Jaan — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Mannik, Jaan
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.