How bacteria divide and share their genetic material
Official title: Coordination mechanisms between cell division and chromosome segregation in E. coli
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-11159736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research helps us understand how bacteria grow and multiply, which could lead to new ways to fight infections.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $307,060 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM127413-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients suffering from bacterial infections, especially those resistant to current antibiotics, could ultimately benefit from the discoveries made in this basic research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial conditions or those whose infections are easily treated with existing antibiotics may not see direct or immediate benefit from this foundational research.
What this research studies
We are exploring the tiny, intricate steps bacteria take to divide and make new cells. By understanding these fundamental processes, we hope to uncover weak spots in bacteria that new medicines could target. This work focuses on a common bacterium, E. coli, to learn how it controls its cell division, a process essential for its survival and spread. Our goal is to find new ways to stop bacteria from multiplying, especially important as current antibiotics become less effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for developing powerful antibacterial drugs to combat infections.
How similar studies have gone: While many proteins involved in bacterial cell division are known, this specific approach aims to fill a significant gap in understanding the complex coordination mechanisms, making it a novel exploration.
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
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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.