Understanding how bacteria coordinate their cell cycle
Official title: Decoding the rules that govern the coordination of the bacterial cell cycle
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11089226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a specific type of bacteria, called Caulobacter crescentus, makes sure its DNA is copied correctly and shared evenly when it divides, helping us understand how bacteria grow and adapt to their surroundings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $583,698 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM158016-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with bacterial infections that are resistant to current antibiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial diseases are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the intricate processes that bacteria use to ensure their genetic material is accurately replicated and divided during cell division. By focusing on the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus, the study employs a combination of genetics, biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques to explore how various molecular components work together to maintain genome integrity. The research aims to uncover the mechanisms that link chromosome replication with cell size and shape, as well as how bacteria respond to environmental factors like nutrient availability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that target bacterial cell division processes, potentially improving treatment options for bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting bacterial cell cycle processes for antibiotic development, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mera, Paola E — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Mera, Paola E
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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.