Antibiotics that block lipoprotein transport in drug‑resistant Gram‑negative bacteria
Bactericidal antibiotics targeting lipoprotein transport in Gram-negative bacteria
Researchers are developing new antibiotics aimed at killing drug‑resistant Gram‑negative bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella to help people with hard‑to‑treat infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235196 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project creates and tests new antibiotic molecules that target the bacterial lipoprotein transport (Lol) pathway, a weakness in many Gram‑negative bugs. Chemists will make many related compounds and lab tests will measure how well they kill multidrug‑resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Promising candidates will be studied in animal models and profiled for how the body handles them. High‑resolution cryo‑EM imaging will show how the molecules bind their target to guide better designs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with serious infections caused by multidrug‑resistant Gram‑negative bacteria such as E. coli or Klebsiella, especially when standard antibiotics have failed, would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People without Gram‑negative bacterial infections, or those with viral, fungal, or infections caused by bacteria unaffected by this mechanism, are unlikely to benefit from these specific antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medicines that treat infections that no longer respond to current antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: This work builds on a previously reported inhibitor of the Lol pathway that showed antibacterial activity, but the new compounds and their detailed structural studies remain largely at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myers, Andrew G — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Myers, Andrew G
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.