Understanding how bacteria secrete proteins that help them cause infections
Official title: Elucidating the mechanisms of protein secretion across the outer membrane by bacterial autotransporters
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-10930910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain harmful bacteria release proteins that help them cause infections, and it's trying to find new ways to stop these bacteria, which could lead to better treatments for patients dealing with tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,761 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM148586-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals suffering from infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria or those not affected by bacterial infections may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which certain harmful bacteria, specifically Gram-negative bacteria, secrete proteins that enable them to infect and cause disease. The study focuses on a specific class of proteins called autotransporters, which cross the bacterial outer membrane and release virulence factors into the surrounding environment. By examining how these proteins fold and are secreted, the research aims to identify potential targets for new treatments that could inhibit bacterial infections and reduce antibiotic resistance. Patients may benefit from this work as it could lead to the development of novel therapies that are more effective against resistant bacterial strains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial autotransporters, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in infection control.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gumbart, James C. — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Gumbart, James C.
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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.