Investigating a bacterial mechanism to combat infections
Official title: Structural and functional studies of YbtPQ for fighting bacterial infections
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10791920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria, like those that cause urinary infections, grab important metal nutrients using tiny helpers called siderophores, and the researchers hope to find new ways to block this process to help create better treatments for infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 17, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $233,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175646-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10791920 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections, particularly those caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or those not affected by bacterial pathogens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain bacteria acquire essential metal ions through a process involving small molecules called siderophores. By studying a specific siderophore importer from uropathogenic Escherichia coli, the researchers aim to uncover the detailed molecular mechanisms of this process. The goal is to develop new molecules that can inhibit this uptake, potentially leading to effective treatments for bacterial infections. The approach combines techniques from structural biology, biochemistry, and microbiology to achieve these objectives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections that are currently difficult to manage.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting siderophore-mediated uptake is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other research, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Hongjin — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Hongjin
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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.