Understanding how bacteria acquire iron and its effects on human health
Official title: Deciphering the Mechanisms of Pathogenic Ferrous Iron Acquisition and Eukaryotic Post-Translational Arginylation
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-10840611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacteria get the iron they need to survive and cause infections, which could help us find new ways to fight bacterial infections, and it also explores how our own cells change proteins in ways that might help us understand different diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $280,589 |
| NIH project number | 2R35GM133497-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10840611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with bacterial infections or those at risk of such infections, particularly in the context of cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bacterial infections or related health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacteria generate and acquire ferrous iron, a crucial element for their survival and infection capabilities. It focuses on the Feo system, which is essential for many bacteria, and explores its interactions with other proteins that help bacteria sense and utilize iron. By using advanced techniques like structural and biochemical analyses, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind these processes, which could lead to new strategies for combating bacterial infections. Additionally, the study looks at how eukaryotic cells modify proteins through a process called arginylation, which may have implications for understanding various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to combat bacterial infections and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bacterial iron acquisition mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Aaron T — University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Study coordinator: Smith, Aaron T
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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.