Investigating how small proteins regulate magnesium transport in bacteria
Official title: Small proteins and the regulation of protein degradation
Funded at U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev · NIH-10498062 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny proteins in bacteria that help control how magnesium transporters work, which could help us understand how these bacteria survive in tough conditions with little magnesium.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| NIH project number | 1FI2GM146628-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10498062 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals with bacterial infections, particularly those caused by E. coli or related pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not affected by magnesium transport issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on small proteins, which are less than 50 amino acids in length, and their role in regulating the degradation of magnesium transporters in bacteria like E. coli. The study aims to understand how these proteins interact with magnesium transporters at a molecular level using advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy. By examining the binding interface of the small protein MgtS and the magnesium transporter MgtA, researchers hope to uncover mechanisms that control protein stability and function under stress conditions. This could lead to insights into bacterial growth and survival in environments with limited magnesium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating bacterial infections by targeting the regulation of essential transport proteins.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of small proteins is emerging, similar approaches in understanding protein interactions have shown promise in other research areas, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeinert, Rilee — U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev
- Study coordinator: Zeinert, Rilee
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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.