Blocking bacterial pumps that drive antibiotic resistance
Official title: Mechanisms of allostery and molecular recognition in efflux pumps
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11458679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work aims to find ways to block bacterial pumps so existing antibiotics can work better for people with drug-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2014 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $507,975 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI108889-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11458679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially where pump-based resistance is suspected, could eventually benefit.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections not caused by bacteria or whose resistance comes from other mechanisms (like target mutation or enzyme breakdown of antibiotics) may not see benefit from pump blockers.
What this research studies
If I had a drug-resistant infection, this research focuses on how bacteria use tiny molecular 'pumps' to push antibiotics out of their cells. Researchers will map pump structures and watch how antibiotics and candidate blocker molecules bind at the molecular level. They will design and test small molecules that can block these pumps in lab-grown bacteria and in preclinical models. Successful lab results could lead to future clinical trials combining pump blockers with approved antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could restore the effectiveness of existing antibiotics against resistant bacteria by stopping the pumps that expel drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Related laboratory studies have shown promise in making antibiotics more effective in preclinical tests, but turning pump inhibitors into safe, effective drugs for people remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Traaseth, Nathaniel J. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Traaseth, Nathaniel J.
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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.