How Gram-negative bacteria build their outer membrane
Biogenesis of the gram-negative bacterial cell envelope
Researchers are learning how harmful Gram-negative bacteria place proteins on their outer surface so future vaccines and treatments can better stop infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11267988 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at bacteria that cause infections and focuses on how they display special proteins on their outer surface. Scientists will study Escherichia coli in the lab to see how surface-exposed lipoproteins (SLPs) reach the outer membrane and how the Bam protein complex helps this happen. The team will use experiments, genetic and biochemical tests, and computer models to identify molecular steps that guide lipoprotein placement. The goal is to build predictive models and find surface proteins that could be targeted by vaccines or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at higher risk of serious Gram-negative infections—such as those with recurrent urinary or hospital-acquired infections or weakened immune systems—would be most likely to benefit from downstream therapies informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial conditions or infections caused by Gram-positive organisms are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new vaccine targets and ways to block bacterial mechanisms that help infection and antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Lab studies have previously identified some surface proteins and vaccine candidates in bacteria, but the specific role of the Bam complex in displaying many lipoproteins is a newer finding that this work aims to clarify.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Konovalova, Anna — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Konovalova, Anna
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.