Understanding how bacteria control copper levels to fight antibiotic resistance
Official title: Structural and functional basis of bacterial transcriptional regulation
Funded at Wesleyan University · NIH-11099460 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a type of bacteria called Bacillus subtilis handles copper in its environment, which is important for its survival, and it aims to understand how these bacteria can adapt to stress, with the hope that this knowledge could help us find new ways to fight antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wesleyan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Middletown, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,000 |
| NIH project number | 7R35GM150644-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099460 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are already effectively treated by existing antibiotics may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which bacteria, specifically Bacillus subtilis, manage copper levels in their environment, which is crucial for their survival and adaptation. By focusing on how bacteria respond to copper, the study aims to uncover the structural and functional aspects of transcriptional regulation related to copper uptake and export. The research employs advanced biochemical and molecular techniques to analyze the proteins involved in these processes, providing insights into bacterial behavior under stress. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic resistance by targeting these regulatory mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are more effective against resistant bacterial strains.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Wesleyan University
Middletown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Oriana S — Wesleyan University
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Oriana 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.