Understanding how bacteria convert nitrogen from the atmosphere into ammonia.
Official title: Mechanism of Energy Transduction and Substrate Activation in Biological Nitrogen Fixation
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10977047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special enzyme from bacteria helps turn nitrogen from the air into ammonia, which is really important for growing food, and it aims to better understand how this process works so we can support healthy food production.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $278,389 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148607-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals involved in agriculture or those interested in sustainable farming practices.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not involved in agriculture or those not affected by food production issues may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanism by which a specific bacterial enzyme, nitrogenase, transforms atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a process essential for agriculture. It focuses on how ATP hydrolysis drives this reaction and aims to clarify the intricate workings of nitrogenase at a molecular level. By addressing key questions about the enzyme's function, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of biological processes that are crucial for sustaining food production and human health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved agricultural practices and enhanced food security by optimizing nitrogen fixation processes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding enzyme mechanisms, but this specific focus on nitrogenase is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tezcan, Faik Akif — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Tezcan, Faik Akif
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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.