How certain bacteria take iron from human blood
Molecular basis of heme scavenging by Gram-positive bacteria
This study is looking at how a germ called Corynebacterium diphtheriae takes iron from our blood to help it grow and cause infections, and it hopes to find new ways to fight these infections by understanding how this process works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11005221 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae acquires iron from human hemoglobin, which is crucial for its growth and survival during infections. The study focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in this process, including how the bacterium captures hemoglobin and extracts heme, an iron-containing compound. By employing advanced techniques in microbiology, biochemistry, and structural biology, the research aims to uncover the interactions between bacterial receptors and hemoglobin. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for combating bacterial infections that rely on iron scavenging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those involving Corynebacterium diphtheriae.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by non-resistant bacteria or those unrelated to the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial iron acquisition, but this specific approach to studying C. diphtheriae is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clubb, Robert Thompson — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Clubb, Robert Thompson
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.