Understanding how bacteria communicate and adapt to their environment
Official title: Elucidating Novel Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling Pathways and Physiological Effects in Bacteria
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11011095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacteria communicate and react to their environment, which is important for their survival and ability to cause infections, and it aims to find new ways to help manage bacterial infections by focusing on a special signaling molecule.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $401,253 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156196-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011095 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients suffering from bacterial infections, particularly those caused by E. coli or similar bacteria, would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacteria use signaling pathways to respond to their surroundings, which is crucial for their survival and ability to cause infections. By focusing on a specific type of signaling molecule called 2’,3’-cyclic nucleotide monophosphates (2’,3’-cNMPs), the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control bacterial behavior, including their growth and resistance to stress. The team will employ various laboratory techniques to study these pathways in E. coli and other bacteria, potentially leading to new strategies for managing bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for bacterial infections by targeting their communication pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting bacterial signaling pathways, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weinert, Emily E — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Weinert, Emily E
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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.