How common Gram-positive bacteria change the lipid tags on their surface proteins
N-terminal acylation of Lipoproteins in Firmicutes
This project looks at how Firmicutes bacteria alter the lipid anchors on their surface proteins in ways that can change how the immune system notices them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143224 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, scientists will grow medically relevant Firmicutes bacteria in the lab and compare different strains to find genes that change the lipid tags on surface proteins. They will use biochemical tests to map the number, length, and attachment of lipid chains on those proteins and examine how environmental factors like copper change these patterns. The team will also test how those different lipid patterns affect recognition by the immune receptor TLR2 using cell-based assays. The aim is to connect specific bacterial changes to how the immune system responds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This laboratory grant does not enroll patients, but people with infections caused by Firmicutes bacteria (for example certain Gram-positive infections) would be most relevant to future clinical follow-up studies.
Not a fit: People without bacterial infections or those with infections caused by unrelated organisms (such as viruses or fungi) are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help guide new vaccines, diagnostics, or treatments by revealing how some bacteria avoid or trigger immune detection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown the immune receptor TLR2 recognizes bacterial lipoproteins, but the specific patterns of lipid modification in Firmicutes and their effects on immunity are not well understood and are less tested.
Where this research is happening
University Park, United States
- Pennsylvania State University, the — University Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meredith, Timothy C. — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Meredith, Timothy C.
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.