How bacteria interact with their environment using tiny structures
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of physical interactions between bacteria and their surroundings
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-10930845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria, like Caulobacter crescentus and Vibrio cholerae, use tiny structures called type IV pili to sense and react to their surroundings, which could help us understand how they behave and interact in different environments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $368,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150916-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria that utilize type IV pili, such as Acinetobacter or Vibrio cholerae, would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria that do not utilize type IV pili may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacteria sense and respond to their surroundings through specialized structures called type IV pili (T4P). By studying various bacteria, including Caulobacter crescentus and Vibrio cholerae, the research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that allow these bacteria to adapt to different environments. The approach combines genetics, cell biology, biophysics, and biochemical techniques to explore the dynamics and regulation of T4P. This knowledge could provide insights into bacterial behavior and interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for controlling bacterial infections and improving treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of type IV pili is established, the specific comparative approach being taken in this research is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ellison, Courtney Kathleen — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Ellison, Courtney Kathleen
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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.