Investigating how certain lipid transport proteins work in bacteria and eukaryotes
Official title: Structure and function of the LetA lipid transport family across bacteria and eukaryotes
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11033544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about understanding how certain proteins help move fats in and out of cells, which could lead to new ways to treat infections, and it's being led by Dr. Cristina Santarossa, who is also working to encourage more diversity in science.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $125,000 |
| NIH project number | 1K99GM157496-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with bacterial infections or those interested in advancements in microbiology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or conditions unrelated to lipid transport mechanisms may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the structure and function of the LetA lipid transport family, which plays a crucial role in the movement of lipids across cell membranes in both bacteria and eukaryotic cells. The principal investigator, Dr. Cristina Santarossa, aims to master lipidomics, a technique that analyzes lipid molecules, to explore how these proteins function. The project includes training in microbiology and outreach activities to promote diversity in the biomedical sciences, ultimately preparing Dr. Santarossa for an independent academic career. Patients may benefit indirectly from this research as it could lead to new insights into bacterial behavior and potential treatments for infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating bacterial infections by targeting lipid transport mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding lipid transport mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Santarossa, Cristina — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Santarossa, Cristina
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.