Understanding how bacteria survive in low-oxygen environments
Official title: Deciphering microbial metalloenzyme functions in microaerobic host environments
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11063245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how good and bad bacteria survive in places in our body where there's little oxygen, like the gut and lungs, to find new ways to treat stubborn infections that don't respond to regular antibiotics, which could help patients who struggle with these tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $373,652 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150913-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those affecting the gastrointestinal tract or lungs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by bacterial pathogens or those who do not have antibiotic resistance issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how both beneficial and harmful bacteria adapt to oxygen-depleted areas in the human body, such as the gut and lungs. By studying specific enzymes that function without oxygen, the research aims to uncover the biochemical strategies these microbes use to thrive. The goal is to identify new therapeutic approaches that can effectively combat antibiotic-resistant infections by targeting these unique microbial functions. Patients may benefit from the development of novel treatments that address persistent bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting microbial enzymes for therapeutic development, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajakovich, Lauren Julia — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Rajakovich, Lauren Julia
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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.