Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus uses nitrogen for growth
Official title: Nitrogen Metabolism of Staphylococcus aureus
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10997136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | February 2, 2025 |
| Project end | February 1, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,574 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI186408-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus or those at risk of infections caused by this bacterium.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not carry Staphylococcus aureus or are not at risk for related infections may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia to improve outbreak detection
A collaboration to add a malaria-specific digital module to an existing surveillance system in Africa to help detect and respond to outbreaks faster.
-
Cross-sector partnership uses digital malaria surveillance in Ethiopia
A US-based team will adapt and test a digital malaria surveillance module in SORMAS to help detect and respond to malaria outbreaks in Ethiopia.
-
Molecular and brain circuits linked to anxiety disorders
A researcher is studying a specific brain circuit to understand what drives anxiety and how it could be treated for people with anxiety disorders.
-
Modulating a brain lipid to reduce injury after newborn brain injury
Aims to test a treatment that changes a brain lipid to lessen damage after a baby’s brain has been deprived of oxygen.
-
Autonomic dysfunction in diabetes and erectile function: brain signals and kidney nerves
A study in diabetic rats explores how brain and kidney nerve signals may contribute to erectile dysfunction in diabetes, with findings that could inform future treatments for men with diabetes who have ED.
-
Multimodal bioelectroceutical approach to bone regeneration in diabetes and aging
A new approach uses electrical signals and tiny drugs inside special scaffolds to help jawbone heal in people with diabetes or aging-related bone problems.
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.