Investigating how Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria regulate their gene expression
Official title: Exploring post-transcriptional regulators in Acinetobacter baumannii
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11019653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections manages its genes, which could help us find new ways to fight against antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $388,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156848-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019653 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those not infected at all may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii, known for causing serious infections, control their gene expression after DNA is transcribed into RNA. The study employs advanced sequencing techniques alongside traditional genetics to explore the role of RNA-binding proteins and small non-coding RNAs in regulating bacterial responses to environmental changes. By analyzing these regulatory networks, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that could help combat antibiotic resistance in these pathogens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bacterial gene regulation, but this specific focus on Acinetobacter baumannii is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gebhardt, Michael John — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Gebhardt, Michael John
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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.