How Bacteria Grow and Respond to Their Environment
Environmental regulation of bacterial growth and cell division
This project explores how bacteria adapt their growth and behavior to different environments, which helps us understand why some become resistant to antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123907 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project explores how bacteria adjust their growth and division based on their environment, which is key to their survival and ability to cause infections. Researchers are studying how common bacteria like *E. coli* and the dangerous *Klebsiella pneumoniae* change their cell structure and growth in different conditions. Understanding these adaptations, particularly how they affect antibiotic resistance, could reveal new ways to develop effective treatments. The ultimate goal is to identify new targets for future antibiotics to combat resistant infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future clinical trials stemming from this work would seek patients with specific bacterial infections.
Not a fit: Patients not currently affected by antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections would not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies and targets for developing next-generation antibiotics to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: This foundational work builds upon existing knowledge of bacterial physiology and antibiotic resistance, aiming to uncover novel mechanisms rather than testing a previously successful approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levin, Petra Anne — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Levin, Petra Anne
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.