How bacteria move key proteins to their outer shell
Lipoprotein trafficking to the bacterial outer membrane
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11262844
This work aims to learn how antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii move lipid-anchored proteins to their outer membrane, a process that helps them block antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11262844 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying how Gram-negative bacteria build and maintain their protective outer membrane, which keeps many antibiotics out. They will examine lipoproteins—fat-attached proteins that are essential for assembling that outer layer—using genetic changes, biochemical tests, and imaging in the lab. The team found that the classic protein pathway (LolA/LolB) is not the whole story, so they will look for other factors that traffic these lipoproteins. Identifying new bacterial components could point to targets that make resistant germs easier to treat.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant supports laboratory research on bacterial samples and does not enroll patients or require clinical participation.
Not a fit: People with viral or fungal infections, or infections not caused by Gram-negative bacteria, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for drugs that disable bacterial defenses and restore or improve the effectiveness of existing antibiotics against resistant organisms like A. baumannii.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research defined the LolA/LolB lipoprotein pathway in E. coli and showed that disrupting outer-membrane assembly can sensitize bacteria, but the finding that LolA/LolB are not absolutely required points to novel, untested mechanisms explored here.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GRABOWICZ, MARCIN — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GRABOWICZ, MARCIN
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.