Understanding how bacteria and archaea defend against viruses using CRISPR-Cas systems.
Official title: Exploring Diverse Mechanisms of Type III CRISPR-Cas signaling.
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11021846 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny organisms, like bacteria, use special tools to defend themselves against viruses, and it aims to help us understand their immune system better, which could lead to new ways to protect against infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 3, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $360,247 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156941-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021846 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria or those interested in microbial health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections that do not involve bacterial or archaeal interactions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex immune mechanisms that bacteria and archaea use to protect themselves from viral infections through CRISPR-Cas systems. It focuses on how these systems utilize RNA-guided interference to target and degrade foreign genetic material, thereby providing immunity. The study aims to uncover the roles of various signaling effectors, including nucleases and membrane proteins, in this defense process. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of microbial immunity and its potential applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to advancements in developing new antimicrobial therapies and improving our understanding of immune responses in prokaryotes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding CRISPR-Cas systems, indicating that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs in microbial defense mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Tina Y — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Liu, Tina Y
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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.