Understanding how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics in different environments
Official title: Unraveling the Interplay Between Self-Organization and Antimicrobial Resistance Evolution Across Spatial Scales
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-10990186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacteria, like the one that causes cholera, become resistant to antibiotics by seeing how they grow and behave in different environments, which could help us find better ways to treat infections in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $463,157 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM149827-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by bacteria or those who are not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria by examining how these microorganisms organize themselves in various spatial environments, such as biofilms and the gut. The study aims to track AMR evolution at a cellular level over time and across different structures using a model pathogen, Vibrio cholerae. By combining laboratory experiments with theoretical modeling, the researchers hope to uncover the rules governing AMR development and validate these findings in living organisms. This could lead to a better understanding of how AMR evolves in real-world settings, ultimately informing treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for combating antibiotic resistance, enhancing treatment options for patients with bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding AMR through laboratory studies, but this approach of integrating spatial self-organization is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hallatschek, Oskar — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Hallatschek, Oskar
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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.