Understanding how certain bacteria adhere and form biofilms in the body
Official title: Multifunctional Roles of AgI/II Family Proteins
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11125741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in streptococcal bacteria help them stick to surfaces and form clusters that can cause infections, with the hope of finding new ways to treat these infections for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $84,192 |
| NIH project number | 5F32DE033235-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11125741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with recurrent infections related to streptococcal bacteria or those at risk of developing such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-streptococcal bacteria may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific proteins in streptococcal bacteria that help them stick to surfaces and form biofilms, which can lead to infections. By studying how these proteins interact with host tissues and other microbes, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind bacterial adherence and colonization. The approach includes structural studies to identify binding sites and the effects of certain peptides on biofilm formation. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for infections caused by these bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by streptococcal bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial adherence mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mieher, Joshua Lee — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Mieher, Joshua Lee
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.