Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus adapts its metabolism to affect infection
Official title: Investigating Cross-regulation of Staphylococcal Metabolism In The Agr Quorum Sensing System
Funded at Florida Gulf Coast University · NIH-10974892 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a communication system in the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria affects its growth and ability to cause infections, especially by seeing how things like pH and oxygen levels change its behavior, which could help us understand how it acts in our bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Gulf Coast University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Myers, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $404,055 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI180723-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974892 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of Staphylococcus aureus infections, such as those with weakened immune systems or chronic wounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any risk factors for Staphylococcus aureus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Agr quorum sensing system in Staphylococcus aureus influences its metabolism and virulence. By examining how environmental factors like pH and oxygen levels affect this system, the study aims to uncover the relationship between bacterial metabolism and its ability to cause infections. The researchers will use various laboratory techniques to analyze gene expression and metabolic changes in controlled environments. This could lead to a better understanding of how this pathogen behaves in the human body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial metabolism can lead to breakthroughs in infection control, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: James, Kimberly Lashun — Florida Gulf Coast University
- Study coordinator: James, Kimberly Lashun
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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.