Understanding How Bacteria Copy Their DNA to Fight Infections and Cancers
Mechanistic Studies of Replication Initiation in Prokaryotes
This research aims to understand how bacteria start copying their DNA, which could help us find new ways to treat bacterial infections and certain cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089570 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our long-term goal is to uncover the exact steps bacteria take to begin multiplying their DNA, a crucial process for their growth. By understanding these fundamental mechanisms, we hope to identify weak points that can be targeted by new medicines. This work focuses on how the machinery that copies DNA is assembled and controlled within bacteria. We are building on past successes where we learned how key bacterial proteins load onto DNA and how their activity is regulated.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for patients affected by bacterial infections or cancers, as it seeks to uncover new targets for future therapies.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct, immediate benefit from this basic laboratory research, as it is focused on understanding fundamental biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments that specifically target bacterial growth, offering new ways to combat infections and potentially some cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work in this area has successfully answered long-standing questions and provided new insights into how bacterial DNA replication begins, paving the way for current efforts.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berger, James M. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Berger, James M.
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.