A New Way to Edit Bacteria to Fight Infections
Harnessing Broad-Specificity Phage Recombinases for Universal Bacterial Editing platforms
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · NIH-11168873
This project is developing a new method to change the genetic makeup of many types of disease-causing bacteria, which could help us better understand and treat infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11168873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many bacteria cause serious diseases, and their ability to make us sick or resist antibiotics comes from their unique genetic information. Currently, it's hard to study and change the genes of many dangerous bacteria because our tools only work on a few specific types. This project is creating a universal system, using special proteins from viruses that infect bacteria (called phages), to edit the genes of a wide range of bacteria. By making it easier to modify these bacteria, we can learn more about how they cause illness and find new ways to fight them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation, but future patients suffering from bacterial infections, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains, could ultimately benefit.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by bacterial infections or those seeking immediate clinical treatments would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to develop treatments for bacterial infections, especially those that are currently hard to treat or resistant to antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: Similar gene-editing methods have been very successful in common lab bacteria like E. coli, but this project aims to create a much broader system that works across many different bacterial species.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VARBLE, ANDREW — UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: VARBLE, ANDREW
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.