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-11032683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria and archaea use important fats called sterols, which help keep their cell membranes healthy, and it focuses on understanding these processes in bacteria that can cause Lyme disease, with the goal of learning more about how they affect our health, especially related to heart and metabolic issues.
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) | $250,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM150910-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032683 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, particularly those with Lyme disease or related cardiometabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-bacterial infections or those not affected by cardiometabolic disorders 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 project aims to uncover how these microorganisms transport and utilize sterols, particularly in the context of pathogenic bacteria like Borrelia burgdorferi, which is known to cause Lyme disease. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to fill a significant knowledge gap regarding bacterial colonization and its implications for human health, especially in relation to cardiometabolic diseases. The methodology includes advanced bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques to analyze lipid trafficking in these organisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating bacterial infections and managing related 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.