Understanding how bacteria build their cell walls
Official title: Structure and dynamics of bacterial cell wall synthases
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-11021789 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacteria build their protective walls, which is really important for their survival, and by understanding the special proteins that help with this process, we hope to find new ways to create antibiotics that can fight bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 13, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $637,729 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI187524-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021789 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients suffering from bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to current antibiotics, would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that bacteria use to construct their cell walls, which are crucial for their survival. By examining specific enzymes involved in this process, the study aims to uncover how these enzymes are activated and regulated. Using advanced techniques like structural biology and single-molecule fluorescence, the research will provide insights into the dynamics of these enzymes and their interactions with other proteins. This knowledge could lead to the development of new antibiotics targeting these essential processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the discovery of new antibiotics that effectively combat bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements in antibiotic development.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kruse, Andrew — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Kruse, Andrew
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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.