Understanding how archaea respond to their environment
Official title: Archaea as a microbial model for developmental mechanoplasticity
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-11021148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how tiny microorganisms called archaea change and grow based on the physical pressures and conditions around them, which could help us learn more about their role in our health and the balance of bacteria in our bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $396,510 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156992-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the role of microbiomes in health, particularly those with conditions influenced by microbial interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to microbial health or those not affected by microbiome dynamics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how archaea, a type of microorganism, adapt their development based on mechanical interactions with their surroundings. By examining how these cells respond to various physical stresses, such as pressure and confinement, the research aims to uncover the biological processes that influence their behavior. The study employs advanced techniques, including microfluidic devices and imaging analysis, to observe cellular responses and gene expression in real-time. This knowledge could enhance our understanding of the role archaea play in human health and the microbiome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved insights into how microbial communities affect human health and disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on archaea is relatively novel, similar approaches in studying microbial responses to environmental factors have shown promise in other research.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bisson Filho, Alexandre W — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Bisson Filho, Alexandre W
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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.