Understanding how bacteria move using flagella
Swarming motility and the regulation of flagellar biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis
This study looks at how a common bacterium called Bacillus subtilis makes and controls its tiny tails, called flagella, which help it move around, especially when it touches surfaces, to better understand how bacteria behave.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11053512 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the bacterium Bacillus subtilis produces and regulates its flagella, which are essential for its movement. The team employs advanced techniques such as forward genetics and super-resolution microscopy to explore how the number and arrangement of flagella are controlled, especially when the bacteria come into contact with surfaces. By studying these processes, the research aims to uncover the complex interactions between flagellar biosynthesis and cell growth, which could have broader implications for understanding bacterial behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would be individuals interested in the implications of bacterial behavior on health and disease, particularly those affected by bacterial infections.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to bacterial infections or those not interested in the underlying mechanisms of bacterial motility may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into bacterial motility, potentially informing strategies to combat bacterial infections or improve biotechnological applications.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on Bacillus subtilis flagellar regulation is novel, similar studies on bacterial motility have shown promising results in understanding bacterial behavior.
Where this research is happening
Bloomington, United States
- Trustees of Indiana University — Bloomington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kearns, Daniel B — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Kearns, Daniel B
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.