Understanding Type IV pili at the single-molecule level
Official title: Understanding type IV pili on the singe-molecule level
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11348222 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying tiny hair-like structures in bacteria to reveal how they move and stick to surfaces, which could inform future treatments for infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $372,340 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155280-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348222 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or related pathogens and clinicians interested in new antimicrobial strategies may benefit from the long-term outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
Direct clinical benefit to patients is not guaranteed within the grant period, as it focuses on basic mechanistic science.
What this research studies
This project focuses on Type IV pili in Pseudomonas aeruginosa to uncover how individual proteins interact within the machinery that powers adhesion, movement, and biofilm formation. Using single-molecule techniques, the team aims to observe the behavior of TFP components in real time, shedding light on the molecular dynamics that were previously hidden. The goal is to connect these molecular interactions to the larger functions of the pili in virulence and mechanosensing, potentially guiding new therapeutic strategies. The work will advance our understanding of bacterial cell biology and could inform how we disrupt harmful biofilms in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gains in fundamental understanding of bacterial adhesion and motility could lead to novel approaches to prevent or treat infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
How similar studies have gone: Previous single-molecule studies have begun to reveal dynamic interactions in complex molecular machines, suggesting this approach could yield meaningful insights for TFP.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koch, Matthias Daniel — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Koch, Matthias Daniel
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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.