Investigating how fatty acids affect bacterial cell membranes
Official title: In vitro and in silico investigations of changes in bacterial cell membrane dynamics due to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) modifications
Funded at University of Tennessee Chattanooga · NIH-10875811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain bacteria change their cell membranes when they come into contact with healthy fats, which could help us understand how these bacteria survive and spread diseases, ultimately aiming to find better ways to treat infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Chattanooga NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chattanooga, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $396,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM154269-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those involving Vibrio species.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-Vibrio bacteria or those who are not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how bacteria, specifically Vibrio species, respond to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) by modifying their cell membranes. The study uses both laboratory experiments and computer simulations to understand these changes and their implications for bacterial survival and disease transmission. By examining how bacteria uptake and utilize fatty acids from their environment, the research aims to uncover important mechanisms that could influence antibiotic susceptibility and bacterial pathogenesis. This knowledge could lead to better strategies for managing bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of bacterial resistance to antibiotics and lead to more effective treatments for infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating PUFA effects on Vibrio membranes is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding bacterial responses to environmental changes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Chattanooga
Chattanooga, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Giles, David — University of Tennessee Chattanooga
- Study coordinator: Giles, David
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.