How bacteria use polyphosphate to adapt and survive stress
Official title: Investigating the chromatin remodeling functions of polyphosphate condensates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11168572 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a special substance to survive tough conditions, which could help us find new ways to fight infections it causes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 5, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $779,915 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI191508-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168572 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from acute infections, particularly those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, such as individuals with cystic fibrosis or compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those not experiencing acute infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes a polymer called polyphosphate to adapt to stress and starvation. By examining the interactions between polyphosphate and bacterial proteins, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow this pathogen to thrive in challenging environments. The research will involve laboratory experiments to analyze how polyphosphate influences gene expression and bacterial behavior, particularly during acute infections. Understanding these processes could lead to new strategies for combating infections caused by this opportunistic pathogen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that target bacterial survival mechanisms, improving outcomes for patients with infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial adaptation mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Racki, Lisa R — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Racki, Lisa R
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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.