Understanding how bacteria acquire and use iron to survive and cause infections
Integration of heme acquisition and signaling in Gram-negative pathogens
This study looks at how certain tough bacteria, called ESKAPE pathogens, find and use iron to survive and cause infections, with the goal of discovering new ways to create treatments for infections that are hard to treat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11049018 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain harmful bacteria, known as ESKAPE pathogens, manage to acquire iron, which is crucial for their survival and ability to cause infections. The study focuses on the mechanisms these pathogens use to obtain iron from their environment and the host, including the production of specific molecules that help them capture iron. By examining the molecular processes involved in iron acquisition and regulation, the research aims to identify new strategies for developing antibacterial treatments that can combat drug-resistant infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Not a fit: Patients with infections that are not caused by ESKAPE pathogens or those who are not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibacterial therapies that effectively target drug-resistant infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial iron acquisition mechanisms, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treating resistant infections.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilks, Angela — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Wilks, Angela
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 below.