Understanding how bacteria survive antibiotics and other stresses
Official title: Machinery of the Microbial Mobilome
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10893325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria, especially those causing staph infections like MRSA, share genes that help them resist antibiotics, with the goal of finding new tools that could help in treating infections and improving biotechnology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $444,325 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM149586-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893325 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, particularly those caused by staphylococci.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-staphylococcal bacteria or those not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in bacteria, which provide them with the ability to resist antibiotics and other challenges. By studying the core machinery encoded by these elements, the research aims to uncover how genes are shared within bacterial communities and identify new enzymes that could be useful in biotechnology. The project focuses on specific MGEs related to staphylococcal infections, particularly those involved in the MRSA epidemic, and aims to elucidate their biochemical functions and evolutionary significance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic resistance and improving treatment options for bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms, making this approach promising but still exploring novel aspects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rice, Phoebe a — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rice, Phoebe a
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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.