Blocking virulence switches in gut bacteria to prevent infections
Virulence gene regulators of enteric bacterial pathogens: Determining the structural and functional mechanisms of small molecule and polypeptide inhibitors
Researchers are looking for small molecules and short proteins that can block virulence regulators in common gut bacteria to help people with infections like E. coli, Salmonella, and Klebsiella.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11221403 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will study proteins that act as on/off switches for disease-causing gut bacteria and search for small molecules and polypeptides that bind and block them. They will determine the three-dimensional structures of these regulator proteins and run biochemical and molecular tests in laboratory-grown bacteria to see if candidate blockers turn off virulence genes. The project uses structural biology and functional assays rather than testing treatments in patients at this stage. Successful lab findings could later guide development of drugs that disarm bacteria instead of killing them, which might help reduce antibiotic resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent, severe, or antibiotic-resistant enteric bacterial infections (for example caused by E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella, or Vibrio) are the most likely long-term beneficiaries.
Not a fit: People with viral gastrointestinal illnesses, non-enteric infections, or conditions unrelated to these bacteria are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new therapies that disarm harmful gut bacteria and reduce or prevent intestinal infections.
How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively novel approach: laboratory studies have found protein inhibitors and hints of small-molecule ligands for related bacterial regulators, but turning those findings into approved drugs has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kull, Fredrick Jon — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Kull, Fredrick Jon
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.