Understanding how certain bacteria manage DNA damage during replication
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Y-Family Translesion Polymerase Activity in Bacillus subtilis
Funded at Fordham University · NIH-10730396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a helpful bacterium called Bacillus subtilis fixes its DNA when it gets damaged, focusing on special proteins that help it copy that damaged DNA so the bacteria can survive tough conditions, and the results could help us learn more about how bacteria repair their DNA, which is important for understanding antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fordham University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $495,166 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM151677-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10730396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the mechanisms of bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to bacterial infections or DNA repair mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacterium Bacillus subtilis deals with DNA damage during cell replication. It focuses on specialized enzymes called translesion polymerases that help replicate damaged DNA, which is crucial for cell survival under stress. By using advanced imaging techniques and biochemical experiments, the study aims to uncover how these enzymes are regulated and how they function in maintaining DNA integrity. The findings could enhance our understanding of DNA repair mechanisms in bacteria, which may have implications for antibiotic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on DNA damage repair in E. coli has shown success, but this study explores untested mechanisms in Bacillus subtilis.
Where this research is happening
-
Fordham University
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thrall, Elizabeth Simmons — Fordham University
- Study coordinator: Thrall, Elizabeth Simmons
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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.