Understanding how a specific protein helps E. coli maintain its shape
Official title: Elucidating the Function of the Periplasmic Domain of Shape-Determining E. coli Protein RodZ
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10823703 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called RodZ in E. coli to understand how it helps the bacteria grow and maintain their shape, which could help us learn more about how bacteria grow and resist treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,983 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI181426-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823703 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-E. coli bacteria or those not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the RodZ protein in E. coli, which is crucial for the bacterium's cell shape and integrity. By examining how RodZ interacts with other proteins involved in cell wall synthesis, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that regulate cell elongation and division. The approach includes biochemical assays and genetic analysis to determine how RodZ functions similarly to another protein, FtsN, in activating cell wall synthesis. This could provide insights into bacterial growth and resistance mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic resistance in E. coli and other bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial cell wall synthesis, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suarez, Katherine Aimee — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Suarez, Katherine Aimee
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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.