Understanding how bacteria manage and use sterol lipids
Official title: Deciphering the molecular mechanisms of sterol lipid trafficking in bacteria
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11001759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria and archaea use important fats called sterols that help keep their cell membranes healthy, especially focusing on harmful bacteria like Borrelia burgdorferi, to find new ways to treat infections.
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 start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $92,313 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM150910-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by infections caused by pathogenic bacteria or those with cardiometabolic disorders linked to gut microbiota.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not affected by cardiometabolic diseases may not benefit from this research.
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 study aims to uncover how these microorganisms acquire and utilize sterols, particularly in relation to pathogenic bacteria like Borrelia burgdorferi. By exploring these interactions, the research seeks to fill a significant knowledge gap and identify potential therapeutic targets for treating infections and related diseases. The methodology includes biochemical assays and bioinformatics approaches to analyze lipid trafficking in these organisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating bacterial infections and managing cardiometabolic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been extensive research on eukaryotic sterol interactions, this investigation into bacterial and archaeal mechanisms is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dassama, Laura — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Dassama, Laura
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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.