Understanding how bacteria use metals to find new ways to fight infections

Tracking, elucidation and modulation of xenometal homeostasis in bacteria

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11141262

This project explores how bacteria handle metals to discover new approaches for developing antibiotics.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141262 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Bacteria need metals to grow and cause infections, but they often struggle to get enough of these essential metals inside the body. This project looks at how bacteria take in necessary metals like iron, and how they might accidentally take in other similar metals, called xenometals. By understanding this process, we hope to find new ways to disrupt bacterial growth. This could lead to innovative strategies for creating new types of antibiotics to combat infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit anyone affected by bacterial infections in the future.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for bacterial infections will not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new and more effective antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, especially those resistant to current treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using bacterial metal handling pathways to deliver new therapeutic agents, suggesting this is a promising area.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.