Understanding how a protein helps Staphylococcus aureus survive and cause infections
Official title: Evaluating the role of a lipoic acid transfer protein in Staphylococcus aureus metabolism and virulence
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11053336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called LipL in the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can cause infections, to see how it helps the bacteria adapt and survive in different parts of the body, with the hope that this knowledge could help us find better ways to treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI183565-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus or those at risk of developing infections caused by this bacterium.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not carriers of Staphylococcus aureus or those with infections caused by other pathogens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, LipL, in the metabolism of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause serious infections. By examining how LipL transfers lipoic acid to key enzymes, the study aims to uncover how this bacterium adapts its metabolism to thrive in different environments within the human body. The research employs biochemical assays and genetic analysis to explore the interactions between LipL and metabolic pathways that are crucial for the bacterium's survival and virulence. This understanding could lead to new strategies for combating infections caused by this pathogen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments that target the metabolic processes of Staphylococcus aureus, potentially reducing the incidence of infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting bacterial metabolism to combat infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woods, Reginald a — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Woods, Reginald a
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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.