Understanding how bacteria communicate to form communities
Cell-cell interactions and the development of bacterial communities
['FUNDING_R01'] · PRINCETON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11124819
This research explores how bacteria communicate to form communities, known as biofilms, which are often linked to chronic infections and antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PRINCETON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124819 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks into how bacteria organize themselves into dense communities called biofilms, which are protected by a slimy layer. These biofilms can be helpful, like in our gut microbiome, but they are also a major cause of chronic infections and make bacteria harder to treat with antibiotics. Researchers are using advanced microscopy to watch individual bacteria in living biofilms, specifically focusing on Vibrio cholerae, a common pathogen. By observing how these single cells behave and communicate, the team hopes to uncover the general rules that govern how these communities form and function. This deeper understanding could help us find new ways to manage or prevent problematic bacterial infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future studies building on this knowledge could benefit individuals suffering from chronic bacterial infections or those with infections resistant to current antibiotics.
Not a fit: Patients not currently affected by chronic bacterial infections or antibiotic-resistant infections would not directly benefit from this specific foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating chronic bacterial infections and overcoming antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of tracking individual cells in living biofilms with light-sheet microscopy is a breakthrough, the general field of biofilm research has shown success in understanding bacterial behavior.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- PRINCETON UNIVERSITY — Princeton, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WINGREEN, NED S — PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WINGREEN, NED S
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.