Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus breaks down fatty acids
Official title: Characterization of the Staphylococcus aureus fatty acid degradation pathway
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10821800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus breaks down fatty acids to survive, focusing on a special enzyme that might be really important in this process, which could help us find new ways to fight infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $37,460 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI181362-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10821800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, particularly those resistant to standard antibiotic treatments, would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those not infected at all may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus degrades fatty acids, which are essential for its survival and function. The study focuses on identifying specific enzymes involved in this process, particularly a newly discovered crotonase enzyme that may play a critical role. By using advanced bioinformatics and genetic techniques, the research aims to clarify how these fatty acid degradation pathways operate and their implications for bacterial physiology. This knowledge could lead to better understanding of bacterial behavior and potential new targets for antibiotic development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting fatty acid degradation in Staphylococcus aureus is novel, similar research in other bacterial species has shown promise in understanding metabolic pathways and developing new treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menjivar, Cindy — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Menjivar, Cindy
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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.