Understanding how bacteria manage and use sterol lipids
Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of sterol lipid trafficking in bacteria
This study is looking at how certain bacteria and archaea use important fats called sterols that help keep their cell membranes healthy, which could help us find new ways to treat infections caused by harmful bacteria like Borrelia burgdorferi.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10878971 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which bacteria and archaea interact with sterol lipids, which are crucial for cell membrane integrity and signaling. The project aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding how these microorganisms transport and utilize sterols, particularly in the context of pathogenic bacteria like Borrelia burgdorferi. By employing advanced bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques, the research seeks to uncover the regulatory processes involved in sterol trafficking. This understanding could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating infections and related metabolic disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, particularly those related to Lyme disease, as well as patients with cardiometabolic disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not affected by cardiometabolic diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for bacterial infections and improvements in managing cardiometabolic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been extensive research on eukaryotic sterol interactions, this investigation into bacterial and archaeal sterol mechanisms is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dassama, Laura — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Dassama, Laura
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.