Antibiotics that activate only inside bacteria using the Prp enzyme
Synthesis and Evaluation of Prp-Specific Probes and Prodrugs
This project designs antibiotic prodrugs that are switched on by a bacterial enzyme called Prp to target germs like C. difficile while limiting harm to helpful bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10873288 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map how the bacterial enzyme Prp recognizes and cuts a short segment of a ribosomal protein in pathogens. They will use that information to synthesize small molecule probes and prodrugs that stay inactive until Prp cleaves them. The team will test these prodrugs in laboratory cultures of Prp-containing pathogens such as C. difficile, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and compare activity against beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus. Results will show whether the prodrugs kill target bacteria selectively and how sequence differences affect enzyme recognition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infections caused by Prp-containing bacteria such as C. difficile, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pneumoniae would be the eventual candidates for treatments that come from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria that do not use the Prp enzyme, or with non-bacterial illnesses, would not be expected to benefit from Prp-activated drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to antibiotics that kill dangerous bacteria more selectively and reduce damage to the normal gut microbiome.
How similar studies have performed: Enzyme-activated prodrug strategies have worked in other settings, but specifically targeting the Prp ribosomal protease is a new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: May, Aaron Elijah — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: May, Aaron Elijah
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.