Understanding the genetic diversity of skin bacteria
Official title: Transcriptomics compendia for the study of strain-level genetic diversity of the human skin microbiome
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-10977042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the different genetic types of a common skin bacterium called Staphylococcus epidermidis to see how these differences might affect its ability to cause infections, helping us understand how it interacts with our bodies and impacts our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM151856-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with skin conditions or those who have been hospitalized and may be at risk for infections caused by skin bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any skin conditions or are not at risk for infections from Staphylococcus epidermidis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic diversity of Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common bacterium found on human skin that can also cause infections. By analyzing the gene functions of various strains of this bacterium, the study aims to uncover how genetic differences affect its behavior and potential to cause disease. The research employs advanced techniques, including transcriptional data analysis and gene essentiality screening, to systematically assess gene functions across different environmental conditions. This comprehensive approach could lead to a better understanding of how this bacterium interacts with the human body and its role in health and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on related skin pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, has shown success in understanding genetic diversity and its implications for treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doing, Georgia — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Doing, Georgia
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.