Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Molecular mechanisms mediating a novel Escherichia coli sibling inhibition, a specific form of intra-species inhibition

Award Number: R16AI203188
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/02/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2030

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Molecular mechanisms mediating a novel Escherichia coli sibling inhibition, a specific form of intra-species inhibition - Project Summary/Abstract Bacterial competition plays a central role in regulating microbial populations in environments. Such interactions have historically yielded bioactive compounds of immense medical value, exemplified by Fleming’s discovery of penicillin and the ensuing “golden age” of antibiotic discovery. However, the rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens coupled with a stagnation in new antibiotic development has created an urgent public health crisis. We recently discovered that Escherichia coli possesses a novel mechanism of “sibling inhibition,” whereby genetically identical E. coli and other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cells inhibit each other’s growth. When E. coli cells are inoculated in soft agar, they form clear inhibitory borders between expanding colonies. Supernatant collected from these borders displays broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Preliminary characterization indicates the active compound, termed the E. coli sibling inhibitor, is a heat- stable, negatively charged, hydrophilic molecule <500 Da, resistant to protease and autoclaving, and capable of lysing bacterial cells into membrane vesicles. These findings strongly suggest the presence of a previously unidentified small-molecule antibacterial and make it possible to further purify and isolate the sibling inhibitor. We hypothesize that E. coli secretes a novel sibling inhibitor with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity that disrupts essential cellular processes and culminates in cell rupture. To test this hypothesis, we will: Aim 1. Identify the cellular process targeted by the sibling inhibitor using complementary approaches, transcriptional and cytological profiling of antibiotic-induced changes. Aim 2. Determine the temporal sequence of cellular events during inhibition: chromosomal DNA degradation, cytoplasmic protein loss, and membrane disruption. Aim 3. Obtain a pure chemical form of the sibling inhibitor by optimizing production and isolating the active compound(s) using LC-MS and HPLC-based purification. Successful completion of these aims will establish the cellular target and molecular identity of a novel antibacterial compound produced by E. coli, advancing our understanding of bacterial competition and potentially yielding a new class of therapeutic candidates. This project will also provide rigorous research training for graduate and undergraduate students at Lehman College, strengthening the biomedical workforce.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $142,237 )
2026	2026	RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK	250 BEDFORD PARK BLVD W	BRONX	NY	10468	BRONX	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	9/2/2026	NEW	$142,237
														Subtotal = $142,237

Grand Total All Awards = $142,237

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Molecular mechanisms mediating a novel Escherichia coli sibling inhibition, a specific form of intra-species inhibition

Award Number: R16AI203188

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/02/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2030

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer