Using protein structures to understand bacterial genes
Structure-based functional annotation of microbial genomes
Researchers use predicted protein shapes to learn what bacterial genes do, aiming to help people with bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140445 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team runs computer workflows that predict 3D protein shapes and combines those predictions with gene comparisons and modern AI tools to suggest functions for poorly understood bacterial proteins. They apply these methods across whole bacterial genomes, including pathogens and minimal synthetic bacteria, to prioritize proteins that may drive disease or serve as drug targets. The work is mainly computational and laboratory-based and does not enroll patients, but focuses on microbes relevant to human health. Results are intended to guide future laboratory experiments and the development of diagnostics or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients directly; its findings are aimed at people affected by bacterial infections who might benefit from future diagnostics or therapies.
Not a fit: People with non-bacterial conditions or those needing immediate clinical care will not directly benefit from this research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new diagnostic markers or drug targets and help speed development of better treatments for bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Related structural and AI-based annotation methods have shown promise in clarifying protein functions in lab strains, but converting annotations into new treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Freddolino, Lydia Petra — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Freddolino, Lydia Petra
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.