Understanding gene expression in complex bacterial communities
Official title: Single-cell transcriptomics of complex bacterial communities
Funded at Institute for Systems Biology · NIH-11037746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different bacteria in a community behave and interact with each other by examining their genes, which could help us understand their roles in nature and how they might affect our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Institute for Systems Biology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $185,871 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM150994-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with gastrointestinal conditions or those interested in the role of microbiota in health and disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with isolated bacterial infections that do not involve complex microbial communities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how gene expression varies among individual bacteria within complex communities, which is crucial for understanding their behavior and interactions. By using a novel technology called microSPLiT, the researchers can analyze gene expression in thousands of single bacterial cells simultaneously. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of how bacteria communicate and transfer genes, which is important for both ecological studies and potential medical applications. The findings could help unravel the complexities of microbial communities, particularly in relation to human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing bacterial infections and enhancing beneficial microbial communities in the human gut.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using single-cell transcriptomics to study simpler bacterial systems, but this approach in complex communities is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Institute for Systems Biology
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kuchina, Anna — Institute for Systems Biology
- Study coordinator: Kuchina, Anna
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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.