Understanding how bacteria share genes and develop antibiotic resistance.
Official title: Mechanisms and regulation of replication, the cell cycle, gene expression, and horizontal gene transfer in prokaryotes, focusing on Bacillus subtilis.
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-10994612 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain bacteria share genes with each other, which can make them resistant to antibiotics, and it aims to find out how this happens so we can develop better ways to fight these tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $673,334 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM148343-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994612 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacteria, particularly Bacillus subtilis, transfer genetic material between themselves, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. By studying mobile genetic elements like viruses and plasmids, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that control this gene transfer and how it affects bacterial behavior. The project utilizes laboratory techniques to manipulate and observe these bacteria in controlled environments, providing insights into their evolutionary processes. This work could help identify new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria, improving treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding gene transfer mechanisms in bacteria, indicating that this approach is promising and builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grossman, Alan D — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Grossman, Alan D
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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.