Blocking E. coli's metal-stealing system in urinary tract infections
Molecular Mechanism of an Exporter-like ABC Importer YbtPQ
Researchers are mapping how a protein in UTI-causing E. coli pulls in metals so new drugs can stop antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11371483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view: scientists will study YbtPQ, a protein uropathogenic E. coli uses to bring metal-linked molecules into the cell. They will determine which molecules YbtPQ transports and test compounds that might block it using biochemical transport tests. The team will also solve the protein's 3D structure to pinpoint unusual features that could be targeted by drugs. These lab methods combine purified proteins, functional assays, and high-resolution structural imaging to reveal how blocking YbtPQ could weaken bacteria that cause UTIs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with recurrent or antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections caused by E. coli would be the most likely candidates for future therapies or to contribute samples to related research.
Not a fit: People with UTIs caused by non-E. coli bacteria or by non-bacterial urinary conditions would be unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new therapies that block bacterial metal uptake and help treat antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting bacterial siderophore pathways has clinical precedent (for example, the antibiotic cefiderocol), but the exporter-like YbtPQ mechanism is a novel target that has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Hongjin — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Hongjin
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.