Understanding how small RNA affects behavior in E. coli cells
Official title: Investigation of small RNA expression in single cells
Funded at U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev · NIH-10937302 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny RNA molecules affect the behavior of E. coli bacteria that are all genetically the same, helping us understand why they can act differently and how they adapt to their surroundings, which could be useful for fighting infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1FI2GM154649-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937302 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by E. coli or related bacterial pathogens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-E. coli bacteria or those not affected by bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how small RNA molecules influence the behavior of genetically identical E. coli cells, leading to differences in their characteristics, such as the expression of flagella and amyloid fibers. By examining these processes at the single-cell level, the study aims to uncover the regulatory mechanisms that contribute to variability in cell behavior. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and flow cytometry to analyze the expression patterns of small RNAs and their impact on cell function. This could provide insights into how bacteria adapt to their environments and evade immune responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating bacterial infections by targeting the regulatory mechanisms that allow bacteria to adapt and survive.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of small RNA in bacterial behavior is a growing field, the specific focus on single-cell variability in E. coli has not been extensively studied, making this research relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Dennis — U.s. National Inst/child Hlth/human Dev
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Dennis
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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.