Understanding how electrical charges affect bacteria's ability to survive stress
Charge matters: Pursuing the most common, and least understood molecular interactions in cells
This study is looking at how tiny electrical charges and movements of ions help bacteria handle stress, which could give us important clues about why some bacteria resist antibiotics, and it’s designed to help improve treatments for patients dealing with bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10989874 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on exploring the role of ion fluxes and electrostatic interactions in bacteria, particularly how these factors contribute to their ability to tolerate stress. By developing new devices and techniques, the researchers aim to uncover the largely unknown molecular interactions that occur within bacterial cells and biofilm communities. The study seeks to bridge the gap in our understanding of non-covalent interactions, which are crucial for cellular function but have been challenging to measure. Patients may benefit from insights gained into antibiotic resistance and bacterial behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or those not affected by bacterial resistance may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the investigation of electrostatic interactions in bacteria is a relatively novel approach, previous studies have shown promise in understanding molecular interactions in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suel, Gurol Mehmet — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Suel, Gurol Mehmet
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 below.