Investigating how S. aureus uses zinc to cause infections
Official title: S. aureus COG0523s as bacterial zinc metallochaperones critical to pathogenesis
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10994269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria that can cause serious infections, called Staphylococcus aureus, uses zinc to survive in our bodies, and it hopes to find new ways to treat these infections by understanding how the bacteria manage this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $34,295 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI181344-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994269 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of infections from Staphylococcus aureus, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus or those with robust immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which is known to cause serious infections. It examines how this pathogen utilizes zinc, an essential nutrient, to survive and thrive in the human body. The study will explore specific proteins that help transport zinc within the bacteria and how these proteins affect the bacteria's ability to repair DNA damage. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential targets for new treatments against infections caused by S. aureus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting bacterial metal acquisition mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Enriquez, Kyle T — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Enriquez, Kyle T
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.