Understanding how bacteria communicate and adapt to their environment

Phosphorelay signaling and regulation in bacteria

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11044061

This study is looking at how certain bacteria, like E. coli, communicate and adapt when their environment changes, especially when there’s no oxygen, which could help us understand infections better and find new ways to treat them.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11044061 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how Escherichia coli and similar bacteria use complex signaling systems to respond to changes in their environment. By focusing on specific phosphorelay systems that help these bacteria transition to anaerobic conditions, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind bacterial infections and the maintenance of healthy microbiomes. The research employs advanced techniques to analyze these signaling pathways, which could lead to new insights into bacterial behavior and potential therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, the findings may contribute to the development of innovative antibiotics and treatment approaches.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections or those interested in microbiome health.

Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial related health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antibiotics and treatment strategies for bacterial infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding bacterial signaling pathways, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions bacteria infectionbacterial diseaseBacterial Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.