Understanding how bacteria use metals for growth and metabolism
Official title: Connecting the bacterial metallome to cellular metabolism at single cell resolution
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11101345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how harmful bacteria fight with our bodies for important metals they need to grow, and it uses special imaging tools to see how these bacteria use those metals, which could help us find new ways to treat infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $233,816 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178389-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections or conditions related to bacterial metabolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pathogenic bacteria compete with their hosts for essential metals, which are crucial for their growth and metabolism. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to analyze the metal content and metabolic strategies of individual bacterial cells. This approach will help uncover the relationship between metal acquisition and bacterial metabolism, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies against bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel treatments that target bacterial metabolism and metal acquisition, improving patient outcomes in bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of correlating metal content with metabolism at the single-cell level is novel, related research has shown promise in understanding bacterial behavior and developing targeted therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bradley, Alexander S — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Bradley, Alexander S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.