Understanding how bacteria transport essential components across their protective membranes
Official title: Synthesis and transport of outer membrane components across the Gram-negative cell envelope
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11001147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria move important fats through their outer layer to survive and resist antibiotics, with the goal of finding new ways to create antibiotics that can fight off these tough infections, especially as antibiotic resistance becomes a bigger problem.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | January 27, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $640,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176776-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, particularly those that are resistant to current antibiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria or those not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Gram-negative bacteria transport essential lipids across their outer membrane, which is crucial for their survival and resistance to antibiotics. The study focuses on specific proteins that play a role in this transport process, aiming to identify new targets for antimicrobial drug development. By understanding these pathways, researchers hope to design new antibiotics that can effectively combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This work is particularly important given the rising threat of antibiotic resistance in healthcare.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that effectively target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial membrane biogenesis, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in antimicrobial therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trent, Michael Stephen — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Trent, Michael Stephen
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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.