How Bacteria Share Genes and Become Resistant to Medicines
Understanding the mechanism of genetic transformation
This project looks at how bacteria take up DNA from their environment, which helps them become resistant to antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135398 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Bacteria can share genetic material, which is how they sometimes become resistant to antibiotics and cause more severe infections. This project uses a common bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, to understand the exact steps involved when bacteria take up DNA from their surroundings. Researchers are focusing on how DNA gets through the bacterial cell wall and membrane, and how it combines with the bacteria's own genetic material. By understanding these basic processes, we hope to find new ways to stop the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future studies building on this knowledge may seek patients affected by antibiotic-resistant infections.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by bacterial infections or antibiotic resistance would not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to prevent bacteria from developing and spreading resistance to life-saving antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of bacterial transformation is known, this project aims to uncover specific, detailed molecular mechanisms that are currently not fully understood.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dubnau, David a — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Dubnau, David a
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.