Understanding how bacteria communicate through their surface sugars
Official title: Foundational Investigations into Bacterial Surface Glycan Dynamics
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-10941586 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain sugars on bacteria help them communicate and invade our cells, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent infections and improve treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $382,600 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155340-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941586 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals at risk of bacterial infections or those with conditions that could be treated through improved understanding of bacterial dynamics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or conditions unrelated to bacterial dynamics may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions of bacterial surface glycans, which are crucial for bacterial communication and invasion into host cells. By utilizing advanced computational techniques, the project aims to create a comprehensive library of these glycans and develop software tools to model their dynamics. This foundational knowledge could lead to new strategies for preventing bacterial infections and improving therapeutic interventions. Patients may benefit from advancements in infection prevention and treatment options derived from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for preventing bacterial infections and developing targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial interactions through glycans, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Minkara, Mona — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Minkara, Mona
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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.