Learning about how bacteria move and stick at a tiny level
Understanding type IV pili on the singe-molecule level
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY · NIH-11121740
This work aims to understand how tiny parts of bacteria, called Type IV pili, help germs like Pseudomonas aeruginosa cause infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11121740 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are exploring how bacteria use special tiny fibers, called Type IV pili, to move around and stick to surfaces, which is important for how they cause infections. These fibers work like tiny machines, extending and retracting to pull the bacteria forward or help them form protective layers called biofilms. While we know these fibers are made of many proteins, we don't fully understand how these proteins work together. Our approach uses advanced tools to look at these tiny fibers and their proteins one by one, helping us see their interactions in detail. This will give us new insights into how these bacterial parts function and contribute to disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not directly involve patients, but future treatments developed from this knowledge could benefit individuals susceptible to bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct participation in a clinical trial would not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this deeper understanding could lead to new ways to stop harmful bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa from causing infections.
How similar studies have performed: Current techniques have limitations in observing these molecular interactions, making this single-molecule approach a novel way to gain detailed insights.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KOCH, MATTHIAS DANIEL — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KOCH, MATTHIAS DANIEL
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.