Antibiotics that stop bacteria at the protein-making step
Advancing ribosome-targeting antibacterial peptides with a unique mechanism of action
This project develops peptide antibiotics that stop dangerous Gram-negative bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii from finishing protein production, aiming to help people with drug-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11313812 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing peptide-based antibiotics derived from honeybee and fruit fly proteins that block bacterial ribosomes at the protein-release step. They will generate and screen hundreds of thousands of peptide variants directly inside bacterial cells to find versions that enter bacteria and trap ribosomes, causing harmful downstream effects. Lab work includes molecular studies of how the peptides bind ribosomes and tests of activity against Gram-negative pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii. The project focuses on optimizing the most promising peptides as candidates for future preclinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, especially Acinetobacter baumannii, would be the most likely candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without bacterial infections or those with infections caused by viruses or easily treated with existing antibiotics are unlikely to benefit from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these peptides could become new treatments for infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii.
How similar studies have performed: Related proline-rich antimicrobial peptides have shown promising antibacterial activity in laboratory studies, but this ribosome‑trapping mechanism is novel and has not yet produced an approved clinical drug.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mankin, Alexander S — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Mankin, Alexander S
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.