Understanding how bacteria acquire iron and its effects on human health

Deciphering the Mechanisms of Pathogenic Ferrous Iron Acquisition and Eukaryotic Post-Translational Arginylation

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY · NIH-10840611

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10840611 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with bacterial infections or those at risk of such infections, particularly in the context of cardiovascular diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have bacterial infections or related health conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bacterial iron acquisition mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, Cardiovascular Diseases, Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.