Understanding how ancient microorganisms respond to stress
Official title: Structure, function, and evolution of gene regulatory networks in archaea
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11090880 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny ancient microorganisms called archaea handle tough living conditions, helping us understand how they adapt and survive in extreme environments, which could teach us more about basic life processes that are important for all living things.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $403,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM158161-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090880 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals interested in the evolutionary biology of microorganisms or those affected by conditions related to stress responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to stress response mechanisms or those not interested in microbial biology may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which archaea, ancient single-celled microorganisms, respond to stressful environmental conditions. By studying the transcriptional regulation and gene regulatory networks in these organisms, the research aims to uncover how these systems have evolved over time. The approach includes comparing the functions of transcription proteins and their interactions in various species of haloarchaea, which thrive in extreme environments. This could provide insights into fundamental biological processes that are conserved across life forms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of stress responses in all living organisms, potentially leading to advancements in biotechnology and medicine.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding gene regulatory networks in simpler organisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmid, Amy K — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Schmid, Amy K
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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.