Understanding How Bacteria Get Iron to Cause Infections and a Key Process in Human Cells
Official title: Deciphering the Mechanisms of Pathogenic Ferrous Iron Acquisition and Eukaryotic Post-Translational Arginylation
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-11124655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores how bacteria gather iron to cause infections and how a process called arginylation works in human cells, both of which are connected to human health and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $398,354 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM133497-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is relevant to patients affected by bacterial infections or conditions linked to the cellular process of arginylation, though it does not involve direct patient participation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical interventions would not find direct benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
This project aims to uncover the detailed workings of two important biological systems linked to human health. First, it looks at how bacteria acquire iron, a vital step for them to cause infections in people. By understanding this process, we hope to find new ways to fight bacterial diseases. Second, the project explores a process in human cells called post-translational arginylation, which is also connected to various diseases. Learning more about these fundamental processes could open doors to new treatments and ways to prevent illness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for combating bacterial infections and provide a deeper understanding of cellular processes involved in human diseases, potentially guiding the development of future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work by this team has already begun to reveal important details about bacterial iron acquisition, suggesting a strong foundation for this continued exploration.
Where this research is happening
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University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Aaron T — University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Study coordinator: Smith, Aaron T
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.