Understanding how ribosomes produce proteins in bacteria and humans
Official title: Elucidating the mechanisms that enable translation in bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes
Funded at Northeastern University · NIH-11066467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ribosomes, which are like tiny factories in our cells that make proteins, work in both bacteria and humans, and it aims to help create better antibiotics to fight infections and understand diseases caused by ribosome problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153502-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066467 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections or those at risk of antibiotic-resistant infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or non-bacterial diseases may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which ribosomes, the cellular machines responsible for protein synthesis, function in both bacteria and human cells. By utilizing advanced molecular simulation techniques, the project aims to uncover the dynamics and conformational changes that ribosomes undergo during the translation process. This understanding is crucial for designing new antibiotics that can effectively combat bacterial infections, especially in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. The findings could also shed light on the molecular origins of various diseases linked to ribosome dysfunction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective antibiotics and therapeutic strategies to treat bacterial infections and related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding ribosome dynamics and has led to advancements in antibiotic design, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeastern University
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitford, Paul Charles — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Whitford, Paul Charles
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.