How DNA moves between gut bacteria and spreads harmful traits
DNA transduction in intestinal microbiomes and the spread of pathogenicity traits
This project explores how bacteria in our gut share DNA, especially genes that cause antibiotic resistance and illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173629 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our gut contains many bacteria, and sometimes they can share genetic material with each other, which is called horizontal gene transfer. This sharing can be a problem because it allows bacteria to quickly spread genes that make them resistant to antibiotics or produce toxins. This project uses a new technique called 'transductomics' to watch how these genes move between bacteria in real-time. By understanding this process, we hope to learn how harmful traits spread within our body's bacterial communities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not involve direct patient participation but aims to benefit anyone affected by antibiotic-resistant infections in the future.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how antibiotic resistance spreads could lead to new ways to prevent and treat infections that are currently difficult to manage.
How similar studies have performed: This project introduces a novel method called transductomics to measure ongoing gene transfer, which is a new approach to studying this complex process.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duerkop, Breck a — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Duerkop, Breck 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.