Understanding how bacterial lipoproteins in harmful Firmicutes change shape
Official title: N-terminal acylation of Lipoproteins in Firmicutes
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11380725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH project studies how important bacteria like Bacillus species modify their surface lipoproteins, which can affect how the body senses and fights infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $316,684 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM127482-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this basic science grant; the study does not involve patient participation.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient involvement or benefit in its current basic-science scope.
What this research studies
Researchers will explore why and how lipoproteins in Firmicutes are chemically modified, focusing on the N-terminal cysteine anchor and its attached lipids. The work considers how different environmental conditions, such as copper, influence these modifications and how that impacts interactions with the immune system via TLR2. By mapping acylation patterns and the genetic factors that drive them, the study aims to reveal new aspects of bacterial cell envelopes that could inform therapies. The project combines biochemical analyses with genetic insights to understand these processes in clinically relevant bacteria like Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A deeper understanding of bacterial surface changes could lead to new ways to detect or treat infections that involve Firmicutes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that lipoprotein acylation patterns can affect immune recognition, suggesting potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meredith, Timothy C. — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Meredith, Timothy C.
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.