Understanding how bacteria and their viruses interact in biofilms
Official title: Bacterial and Viral Predator-Prey Dynamics within Bacterial Biofilms at Cellular Resolution
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-10928197 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria, like those that cause cholera and E. coli, interact with viruses in slimy clusters called biofilms, and it aims to understand how these interactions might help us find new ways to fight infections caused by these bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151158-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928197 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic bacterial infections or those at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections that do not involve bacterial biofilms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between bacteria and their viral predators within biofilms, focusing on species like Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to reveal how these microorganisms communicate and form structured communities at a cellular level. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms that govern biofilm architecture and dynamics, which could provide insights into how these structures contribute to infections. This knowledge may lead to innovative strategies for combating bacterial infections by targeting biofilm formation and stability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for treating bacterial infections by disrupting harmful biofilms.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of bacterial biofilms is established, the specific focus on predator-prey dynamics at cellular resolution is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nadell, Carey — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Nadell, Carey
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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.