Understanding how bacteria adapt and survive to fight infections
Gauging how the plasticity of cellular organizations dictates growth, death and adaptation in single bacterial cells
This work explores how bacteria change their internal structure to grow, survive, and resist antibiotics, which could help us better fight bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146687 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Bacteria are incredibly adaptable, changing their internal organization to thrive in different environments, including inside the human body. This project aims to uncover the basic rules governing how these tiny cells organize themselves to survive, grow, and adapt, especially when facing antibiotics. By understanding these fundamental processes in common bacteria like E. coli and dangerous pathogens like P. aeruginosa, we hope to learn how they become so resilient. This knowledge is key to developing new ways to overcome their ability to adapt and tolerate treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit anyone susceptible to bacterial infections, especially those with antibiotic-resistant strains.
Not a fit: Patients not currently affected by bacterial infections or those whose infections are easily treated may not see direct or immediate benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria and improving treatments for various bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on cellular organization plasticity is novel, other basic science efforts have successfully revealed fundamental bacterial mechanisms that later informed new treatments.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Carnegie-Mellon University — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Si, Fangwei — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Si, Fangwei
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.