Investigating how RNA viruses infect bacteria.
RNA penetrations into bacteria.
This study is looking at how certain viruses that infect bacteria, specifically ones that target Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter, get inside the bacteria and deliver their genetic material, which could help us understand more about bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m Agrilife Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116155 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how single-stranded RNA bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, penetrate bacterial cells. The project aims to uncover the mechanisms by which these viruses recognize their bacterial hosts and deliver their RNA into the bacterial cytosol. By studying specific bacteriophages that infect Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species, the researchers will explore the roles of bacterial structures called Type IV pili in the infection process. This work could lead to new insights into bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Acinetobacter species.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not targeted by the specific bacteriophages being studied may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel strategies for combating bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: While the mechanisms of infection for some model bacteriophages have been studied, this research explores novel aspects of ssRNA phage interactions with bacteria, making it a potentially groundbreaking investigation.
Where this research is happening
College Station, UNITED STATES
- Texas A&m Agrilife Research — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Junjie — Texas A&m Agrilife Research
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Junjie
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 below.