Understanding how a bacteria resists damage from hydrogen peroxide
Official title: Structure-function analysis of a catalase/ankyrin tandem from Pseudomonas aeruginosa necessary for resistance to hydrogen peroxide
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10737636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, protects itself from a harmful substance made by our immune system, and it focuses on two important proteins that help the bacteria survive in infections like cystic fibrosis and burn wounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | November 8, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $202,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168979-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10737636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, such as those with cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or burn injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-gram-negative bacteria or those not affected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa defends itself against hydrogen peroxide, a harmful substance produced by the immune system during infections. The study focuses on two specific proteins, KatB and AnkB, which play crucial roles in this defense mechanism. By combining expertise in structural biology and microbial physiology, the researchers aim to uncover the functions of these proteins and how they contribute to the bacteria's survival in various disease contexts, including cystic fibrosis and burn injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms, making this approach promising yet still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kovall, Rhett Allen — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Kovall, Rhett Allen
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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.