Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus uses nitrogen for growth
Nitrogen Metabolism of Staphylococcus aureus
This study is looking at how the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which can cause serious infections, gets the nitrogen it needs to grow, especially from sources found in our bodies, and the findings could help develop new ways to fight these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10997136 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of serious infections, acquires nitrogen from its environment to support its growth. The study focuses on the transport of nitrogen sources such as ammonium ions and amino acids, particularly glutamine, which is abundant in human hosts. By using advanced techniques like isotopolog tracing with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), the research aims to identify the preferred nitrogen sources under different oxygen conditions. This understanding could lead to new strategies for combating infections caused by this bacterium.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus or those at risk of infections caused by this bacterium.
Not a fit: Patients who do not carry Staphylococcus aureus or are not at risk for related infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that disrupt nitrogen acquisition in Staphylococcus aureus, potentially reducing the severity of infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting bacterial metabolism can be an effective strategy in treating infections, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burke, Taylor Lauren — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Burke, Taylor Lauren
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 below.