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

Elucidating Molecular-Level Roles of Essential Metals in Gut Bacteria with New Fluorescent Protein-Based Metal Ion Sensors

Award Number: R35GM161898
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2031

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Elucidating Molecular-Level Roles of Essential Metals in Gut Bacteria with New Fluorescent Protein-Based Metal Ion Sensors - PROJECT SUMMARY Transition metal nutrients like iron and zinc are required by most or all organisms. Metal ions must be tightly regulated to avoid both deficiency and toxic overload. In multi-organism communities, like the human gut microbiota, species must compete for these resources. Metal dysbiosis is associated with various pathologies and diseases, but the underlying molecular mechanisms in multi-species communities, including the gut microbiota, are unknown. The goal of this research program is to develop tools that can elucidate the fundamental molecular mechanisms underlying how essential metals affect multi-species ecosystems like the human gut microbiota. One approach to defining roles of metals is to use fluorescent protein-based metal ion sensors, which can dynamically detect, quantify, and track labile metals in live organisms. Many currently available sensors use fluorescent proteins that require oxygen, but most gut bacteria and various other organisms cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. This research will develop and use fluorescent protein- based metal sensors based on oxygen independent cofactor binding fluorescent proteins. Over the next five years, advanced sensors for zinc, copper, manganese, and iron will be pursued. Design approaches will focus on developing sensors that can achieve 1) metal ion quantification, 2) multi-color detection of metals, and 3) detection of essential transition metals beyond zinc and copper. To achieve multi-color single- or dual-metal sensing in bacterial multi-species systems, a panel of sensors that emit from green to near infrared will be designed. Sensors will be evaluated by monitoring metal ion dynamics in pure bacterial cultures and multi- species systems, such as dual cultures and in vitro gut models, containing E. coli and/or intestinal Lactobacillaceae species. Lactobacillaceae are a family of bacteria intricately linked with human health and used as probiotics. These species are often impacted by changes in metals in the gastrointestinal tract, but their metal homeostasis mechanisms remain poorly understood. In addition to the proposed metal sensors, complementary techniques will be used to elucidate metal homeostasis mechanisms in these bacteria. Collectively, this research will provide novel protein-based sensors that will enable studies of metal ion dynamics across a broader range of biological systems, including multi-species systems with varying oxygen requirements. These sensors are expected to facilitate mechanistic studies into how dietary metals affect gut microbiota composition and function. This knowledge will be useful for predicting effects of metal-based dietary interventions and could potentially identify new targets to mitigate these effects. Finally, this work will provide a fundamental knowledge basis for probiotic dietary interventions and other therapeutic approaches to combat gastrointestinal diseases.


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 = $460,700 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM	4300 MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD	HOUSTON	TX	77204	HARRIS	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	6/23/2026	NEW	$460,700
														Subtotal = $460,700

Grand Total All Awards = $460,700

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Elucidating Molecular-Level Roles of Essential Metals in Gut Bacteria with New Fluorescent Protein-Based Metal Ion Sensors

Award Number: R35GM161898

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

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

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 03/31/2031

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer