Bacterial pumps that help Staph and Enterococcus survive antibiotics and infections
Subproject 4: Role of Pumps in Resistance, Physiology, and Infection
Researchers are looking at tiny pumps in Staphylococcus and Enterococcus bacteria that can push out antibiotics so treatments work better for people with resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299030 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at tiny 'efflux pumps' in Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus that can push antibiotics out of bacterial cells and help them survive. The team will study one pump called Tet38 in detail to understand how its shape and behavior let bacteria resist drugs, survive in abscesses, and invade cells. They will use genetic tools, single-cell measurements of pump activity, and lab and animal tests of new antibiotic compounds to see how pumps affect treatment. The work also examines pumps in enterococci and whether groups of pumps create drug-tolerant 'persister' bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Enterococcus infections, such as skin abscesses or other invasive infections, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People with viral illnesses, non-bacterial conditions, or infections caused by organisms other than Staph or Enterococcus are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to drugs or treatments that block these pumps so antibiotic-resistant Staph and Enterococcus infections become easier to treat.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies of efflux pumps and pump inhibitors have shown promise, but few effective pump-targeting treatments have reached patients so far.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hooper, David C — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Hooper, David C
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.