NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how arginine phosphorylation affects bacteria

Official title: Exploring the function of novel arginine phosphorylation in streptococcal physiology

Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10995694 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a special change in a protein called arginine phosphorylation affects the behavior of Streptococcus bacteria, which can cause dental problems, to help find better ways to treat infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kansas Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Kansas City, United States)
Project startAugust 12, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$232,500
NIH project number1R21DE033883-01A1
Project IDNIH-10995694 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with dental infections caused by Streptococcus mutans or similar bacterial pathogens.

Less likely to help

Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Streptococcus or those not affected by bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the role of arginine phosphorylation in the physiology of Streptococcus bacteria, particularly focusing on its impact on protein function and bacterial behavior. By examining how this unique post-translational modification influences bacterial processes, the study aims to uncover new insights into bacterial signaling and gene regulation. The research involves laboratory experiments to analyze the effects of arginine phosphorylation on various proteins within Streptococcus mutans, a known dental pathogen. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to advancements in treating bacterial infections.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating bacterial infections, particularly those caused by dental pathogens.

How similar studies have gone: While the role of arginine phosphorylation in other bacteria has been studied, this specific investigation in Streptococcus is novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Kansas Medical Center
    Kansas City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Biswas, Indranil — University of Kansas Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Biswas, Indranil

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.