How bacteria transport essential nutrients like methionine
Official title: Mechanisms of Substrate Selectivity and Transport by a Bacterial Methionine ABC Importer
Funded at University of San Francisco · NIH-10896184 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how E. coli bacteria take in important nutrients like methionine, which they need to survive, and it could help find new ways to treat bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $102,146 |
| NIH project number | 5SC3GM144189-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896184 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with bacterial infections or conditions related to bacterial pathogen resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacterial cells, specifically E. coli, transport vital nutrients such as methionine from their environment into their cells. By examining the mechanisms of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, the study aims to understand how these transporters select and move various substrates against concentration gradients. The research employs biochemical and biophysical methods to explore the functionality of the MetNI transporter, which is crucial for bacterial survival. The findings could reveal new treatment targets for bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating bacterial infections by targeting nutrient transport mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding transport mechanisms in bacteria, making this approach promising yet still exploring novel aspects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Janet G. — University of San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Yang, Janet 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.