Understanding how bacteria use metals to fight toxic molecules
Official title: Leveraging host-imposed metal starvation to elucidate the molecular and environmental factors that dictate metal utilization by the iron/manganese superoxide dismutase superfamily
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11092689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how certain bacteria use metals to help protect themselves from harmful molecules during infections, which could lead to better ways to treat bacterial infections in people with conditions like cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $727,202 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI155611-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cystic fibrosis or other conditions that make them susceptible to bacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bacterial infections or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain bacteria utilize metals to detoxify superoxide, a harmful molecule produced during infections. By examining the iron and manganese superoxide dismutase superfamily, the study aims to uncover the molecular and environmental factors that influence metal utilization in these bacteria. The approach involves analyzing protein sequences and their interactions with metals to better understand their function. This knowledge could lead to improved strategies for combating bacterial infections, particularly in patients with conditions like cystic fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the body's ability to fight bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding metal utilization in other bacterial systems, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kehl-Fie, Thomas Everett — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Kehl-Fie, Thomas Everett
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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.