# Chemical & Biological Interception of Cell-Cell Communication in Gram-Positive Bacteria

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI) · $600,000

## Abstract

With this award, the Chemistry of Life Processes (CLP) Program in the NSF Division of Chemistry is supporting Professor Helen Blackwell from the University of Wisconsin– Madison to investigate the chemicals that bacteria produce to communicate with each other. This communication pathway is important because many common bacteria use it to cause infections and disease in humans, animals, and plants. However, the structures of these signals and how they function remain poorly understood. The goals of this NSF project are to examine the chemical signals made by one group of bacteria, to investigate how they function in bacteria, to use chemistry to make signals that the bacteria cannot make themselves, and to apply these non-natural signals to activate and inhibit bacterial communication pathways on demand. This research approach, rooted in chemistry, allows for the signaling pathway to be explored in new ways and in important, biologically relevant environments, providing fundamental new insights into how it works. This project has additional broad impacts, which include providing ample opportunities for training students in modern scientific techniques and preparing them for advanced careers in science. In addition, immersive artwork and hands-on activities to communicate the presence of bacteria and their chemical signals in the environment, and their global importance, to the general public. 

This research project is motivated by the amazing ability of bacteria to act as a

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2516357
- **Awardee organization:** University of Wisconsin-Madison (WI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LCLSJAGTNZQ7
- **PI:** Helen E Blackwell
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biotechnology
- **Estimated total:** $600,000
- **Funds obligated:** $600,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2516357

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2516357, Chemical & Biological Interception of Cell-Cell Communication in Gram-Positive Bacteria. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2516357. Licensed CC0.

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