Identifying how bacteria use RNA chaperone proteins to manage stress
Official title: Genetic Identification of Bacterial RNA Chaperone Proteins and their Mechanisms of Action
Funded at Mount Holyoke College · NIH-10875350 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny molecules and their helper proteins work together in bacteria, especially E. coli, to control gene activity and help the bacteria survive tough situations, which could be really helpful for understanding how harmful bacteria respond to stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mount Holyoke College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (South Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2019 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $414,047 |
| NIH project number | 2R15GM135878-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875350 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with bacterial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) and their supporting proteins, particularly focusing on bacterial RNA chaperones like Hfq, ProQ, KhpA, and KhpB. By utilizing a novel bacterial three-hybrid assay, the study aims to explore how these proteins interact with RNA within E. coli cells, which could reveal important mechanisms of gene regulation in bacteria. Understanding these interactions may provide insights into bacterial stress responses, especially in pathogenic strains. The research seeks to fill gaps in knowledge regarding RNA-protein interactions that are crucial for bacterial survival and adaptation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating bacterial infections by targeting RNA chaperone proteins.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating RNA chaperones in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding bacterial gene regulation and stress responses.
Where this research is happening
-
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berry, Katherine E — Mount Holyoke College
- Study coordinator: Berry, Katherine E
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.