How bacteria organize their internal structures
Official title: Coordinated Spatial Organization in Bacteria
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11013888 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain bacteria, like Halothiobacillus neapolitanus, organize their important parts without using typical motor proteins, focusing on a special group of proteins that help keep everything in the right place, which could help us learn more about how bacteria work and cause diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | January 22, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $343,741 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM152128-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013888 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals affected by bacterial infections, particularly those caused by pathogens that utilize similar organizational mechanisms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which bacteria organize their internal components without linear motor proteins. It focuses on a family of proteins called A/D ATPases that help position various cellular structures essential for bacterial function and survival. By studying a specific nonpathogenic bacterium, Halothiobacillus neapolitanus, the research aims to uncover how these proteins coordinate the placement of critical cellular elements, which could have implications for understanding bacterial behavior and pathogenicity. The approach includes detailed bioimaging and genetic analysis to explore the roles of these proteins in cellular organization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting bacterial pathogens by disrupting their internal organization.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on A/D ATPases is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vecchiarelli, Anthony G — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Vecchiarelli, Anthony G
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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.