Understanding how lipids organize bacterial cell membranes
Official title: Lipid functions in bacterial cell organization
Funded at Carnegie Institution of Washington, D.c. · NIH-10891507 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain fats in bacteria, called hopanoids, help organize their cell membranes, which could teach us more about how bacteria grow and interact with other microbes, including those in our bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie Institution of Washington, D.c. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $403,825 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM147015-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891507 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with bacterial infections or those interested in the interactions between bacteria and human health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial related health issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the organization of bacterial cell membranes, focusing on how specific lipids, known as hopanoids, create membrane microdomains similar to lipid rafts in eukaryotic cells. By studying the bacterium Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens, the research aims to uncover the composition and functions of these microdomains and their role in regulating the cell cycle and cell polarity. The approach includes examining both free-living and host-associated environments to understand how these mechanisms operate in different contexts. This could provide insights into the fundamental biology of bacteria and their interactions with human-associated microbes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting bacterial infections by disrupting their membrane organization.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of lipid organization in bacteria is less explored, there is emerging evidence suggesting that similar approaches in eukaryotic cells have been successful, indicating potential for breakthroughs in understanding bacterial cell biology.
Where this research is happening
-
Carnegie Institution of Washington, D.c.
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Belin, Brittany Jo — Carnegie Institution of Washington, D.c.
- Study coordinator: Belin, Brittany Jo
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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.