Understanding how bacteria respond to stress through a signaling system
Official title: Structural Basis for Rcs Phosphorelay Cascade
Funded at U.s. National Inst Diabetes/digst/kidney · NIH-10714881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria respond to stress, like antibiotics, by producing protective capsules, and it aims to understand the proteins involved in this process to help find new ways to treat bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. National Inst Diabetes/digst/kidney NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| NIH project number | 1FI2GM150439-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10714881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae or those at high risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those not affected by bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Rcs phosphorelay cascade, a signaling pathway in bacteria that regulates the production of protective capsules in response to environmental stress, such as exposure to antibiotics. By examining how specific proteins interact within this cascade, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that activate or inhibit this response. The study employs advanced biophysical methods to analyze these interactions, which could lead to a better understanding of bacterial behavior and pathogenicity. Insights gained from this research may inform the development of new therapeutic strategies against bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance our ability to combat bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of the Rcs phosphorelay cascade are not fully understood, similar research approaches have successfully elucidated bacterial signaling pathways in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. National Inst Diabetes/digst/kidney
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nune, Melesse Lonse — U.s. National Inst Diabetes/digst/kidney
- Study coordinator: Nune, Melesse Lonse
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the body adapts to use fats for energy based on nutrient availability
This study looks at how tiny parts of our cells, called mitochondria, change when we eat different types of food, especially fats, and how a special protein helps our bodies use these fats for energy, which is important for people with diabetes and fatty liver disease.
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.