How the hospital germ Acinetobacter baumannii controls its genes after RNA is made
Exploring post-transcriptional regulators in Acinetobacter baumannii
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11251735
This project looks at how a hospital-acquired germ called Acinetobacter baumannii controls its genes after RNA is made, aiming to find weak points that could lead to better treatments for people with hard-to-treat infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251735 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use large-scale genome sequencing together with classic bacterial genetics to find small RNAs and RNA-binding proteins that change gene activity in A. baumannii. They will combine the sequencing results with lab experiments to test how these regulators affect traits like antibiotic resistance and survival. The work focuses on the networks that let the bacteria quickly respond to stresses commonly found in hospital settings. Understanding those regulatory mechanisms could point to new drug targets or better diagnostic markers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be patients who have had or currently have hospital-acquired A. baumannii infections and are willing to provide clinical samples for research.
Not a fit: People without exposure to A. baumannii or with infections caused by other bacteria are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for antibiotics or tests to better treat and control A. baumannii infections.
How similar studies have performed: Similar genome-wide and genetics approaches have found important regulators in other bacteria, but applying them to A. baumannii is relatively new and may uncover previously unknown mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GEBHARDT, MICHAEL JOHN — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: GEBHARDT, MICHAEL JOHN
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.