Understanding how certain bacteria use energy to build structures that help them cause infections
Official title: Enzymology and Structure of Divergent Type 4 Pilus Extension ATPases
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11010847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny structures that help certain bacteria stick to surfaces and cause infections, focusing on how they get the energy to build these structures, which could help us find new ways to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $75,296 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI180319-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the structure and function of Type IV pili, which are important appendages used by many bacteria and archaea for attachment and virulence. The study focuses on the ATPases that provide the energy necessary for the assembly of these pili, particularly examining the differences in their mechanisms across various species. By using advanced imaging techniques, the researchers aim to uncover the molecular details of how these structures are formed and how they contribute to bacterial infections. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that target bacterial infections more effectively, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial mechanisms through similar structural biology approaches, indicating a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Donnenberg, Michael S — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Donnenberg, Michael S
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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.