Understanding how mobile DNA elements spread in bacteria
Official title: Uncovering the rules governing mobile genetic element spread
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-11388624 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how mobile genetic elements like plasmids move genes between bacteria and shaping traits such as antimicrobial resistance and virulence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $408,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM160469-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11388624 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient recruitment; this is basic bacterial genetics research.
✕Less likely to help
There are no direct patient participants involved in this basic science project.
What this research studies
This project looks at the rules that govern how mobile genetic elements spread within and between bacteria, and how these elements interact with their hosts in complex microbial communities. Using the agrobacteria/rhizobia plasmid system as a model, researchers will map compatibility and barriers to transfer at multiple scales—from individual MGEs and strains to entire genera and communities. The work will involve characterizing replication and transfer genes across many plasmids, and testing how microbiome composition influences MGE spread. The findings could reveal general principles of gene flow in bacteria that affect health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to better understanding of how antimicrobial resistance and other traits spread among bacteria, informing strategies to limit harmful gene transfer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in bacterial plasmids and MGEs has revealed key mechanisms of transfer, but the full rules and host compatibility remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weisberg, Alexandra J — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Weisberg, Alexandra J
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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.