Understanding how bacteria respond to environmental changes
Official title: Chemical Strategies to Map Bacterial Response to Environmental Change
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11091583 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacteria change to survive tough conditions by using special proteins, and it aims to help us understand antibiotic resistance better so we can create new treatments for infections caused by these tough bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $543,331 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153306-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091583 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or those who do not have any bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacteria adapt to their surroundings using specialized proteins that help them survive under various stressors. The team focuses on two key protein families: histidine kinases, which sense environmental changes, and penicillin-binding proteins, which are essential for building bacterial cell walls. By developing chemical probes, the researchers aim to better understand how these proteins function and contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is crucial for developing new treatments. This work could provide insights into combating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating bacterial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using chemical biology approaches to understand bacterial behavior, indicating that this methodology could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carlson, Erin Elizabeth — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Carlson, Erin Elizabeth
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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.