Understanding how bacteria divide to help create new antibiotics
Official title: Biochemical and structural characterization of the cell wall synthesis complex required for bacterial division
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10974020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacteria, like Streptococcus pneumoniae, divide and grow by focusing on a special protein that helps build their cell walls, which could help scientists find new ways to create antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AI178977-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or those not affected by bacterial pathogens may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex processes involved in bacterial cell division, focusing on a specific protein complex that is crucial for synthesizing the bacterial cell wall. By purifying and studying this complex, the research aims to uncover how bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae regulate their division. The methodology includes generating structural models of the proteins involved and examining their interactions with substrates that are essential for cell wall synthesis. This could lead to new insights into antibiotic development by targeting these fundamental processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antibiotics that effectively combat bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting bacterial cell division for antibiotic development, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weaver, Anna I — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Weaver, Anna I
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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.