Understanding how bacteria form biofilms and resist antibiotics
Official title: Mechanisms and Consequences of c-di-GMP Control of Motility and Biofilm Formation
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11107786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a germ called Vibrio cholerae forms protective clusters that help it survive and resist antibiotics, focusing on a special molecule that controls this process, with the hope of finding new ways to fight infections caused by this bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $779,235 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI189907-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11107786 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, particularly those related to cholera.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those not affected by biofilm-forming bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the bacterium Vibrio cholerae forms biofilms, which are clusters of bacteria that can enhance their survival and resistance to antibiotics. The study focuses on a signaling molecule called c-di-GMP, which plays a crucial role in regulating bacterial motility and biofilm formation. By using advanced biophysical methods, the researchers aim to uncover how c-di-GMP interacts with bacterial structures to influence their behavior and pathogenicity. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for disrupting biofilm formation and improving treatment outcomes for bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting biofilm formation in other bacterial species, indicating potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yildiz, Havva Fitnat — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Yildiz, Havva Fitnat
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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.