Understanding how gut bacteria produce important proteins for survival
Official title: Bacteroides use a novel N-acyltransferase for lipoprotein synthesis and survival
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11109401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain friendly gut bacteria, called Bacteroides, make special proteins that help them live and work with our bodies, and it could help us learn more about keeping our gut healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $186,768 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180287-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with gut health issues or those interested in the role of gut bacteria in overall health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any gastrointestinal conditions or are not interested in gut microbiome research may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain gut bacteria, specifically Bacteroides, synthesize lipoproteins that are crucial for their survival and interaction with the human host. The study focuses on a specific enzyme, Bacteroides Lipoprotein N-acyltransferase (BLnt), which plays a key role in modifying these lipoproteins. By using genetic screening techniques, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind lipoprotein production and how these bacteria adapt to their environment in the gut. This knowledge could lead to better understanding of gut health and bacterial behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of gut bacteria's role in health and disease, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial interactions in the gut, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koropatkin, Nicole M — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Koropatkin, Nicole M
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.