Understanding how certain bacterial enzymes help build their protective structures
Official title: Defining structure and function of GT-A fold enzymes in bacterial glycan assembly
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-10904677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific enzyme that helps bacteria build their protective outer layers, which is important for their survival and how they interact with our bodies, and it hopes to find new ways to create antibiotics that can fight off tough bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM149160-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904677 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, particularly those involving Campylobacter species.
✕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 enzymes involved in the assembly of bacterial glycoconjugates, which are crucial for the stability of bacterial cell walls and their interactions with hosts. By focusing on the glycosyltransferase enzyme PglI, the study aims to uncover the structural and functional relationships that dictate how these enzymes operate. The research employs advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy to visualize these enzymes and their interactions, which could lead to the development of new antibiotics targeting resistant bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antibiotics that effectively combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting bacterial glycan assembly as a novel approach to combat antibiotic resistance, indicating potential success for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knox, Hayley — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Knox, Hayley
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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.