Understanding How Bacteria Build Molecules That Cause Infections
Deciphering the Principles of Membrane-Associated Glycan Assembly for Glycoconjugate Biosynthesis
This research explores how bacteria create complex sugar molecules on their surfaces, which helps us understand how they cause infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11030308 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are constantly fighting off bacteria, and this research helps us understand how some bacteria become harmful. We are looking at how bacteria build special sugar structures on their outer membranes, which are crucial for their ability to cause disease. By understanding these building processes, we hope to find new ways to stop bacteria from making us sick. This work focuses on specific bacteria like Campylobacter, which are known to cause infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research does not involve direct patient participation, but future clinical applications could benefit patients with bacterial infections.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for developing treatments or vaccines against bacterial infections by targeting how bacteria become virulent.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about how soluble enzyme complexes work, understanding these processes when they are attached to cell membranes, as in this research, is a newer and more complex area of study.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Imperiali, Barbara — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Imperiali, Barbara
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.