Understanding how certain bacteria communicate in the human microbiome
Official title: Talking with Small Molecules: Corynebacteria in the Human Microbiome
Funded at Princeton University · NIH-11038877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria on our skin and in our noses talk to each other using tiny chemical signals, which could help us understand how they affect our health and how we can better manage infections caused by them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $451,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AT013123-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with skin or respiratory conditions related to corynebacterial infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any bacterial infections or related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how corynebacteria, which are common residents of the skin and upper respiratory tract, communicate using small molecules. By analyzing the chemical signals they produce, the study aims to uncover how these bacteria compete with each other and interact with other microbes and human cells. The researchers will use advanced techniques to identify these chemical signals and understand their roles in health and disease. This could provide insights into how to manage 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 multidrug-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding bacterial communication and its implications for health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Princeton University
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seyedsayamdost, Mohammad R — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Seyedsayamdost, Mohammad R
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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.