Combining drugs to better treat MRSA infections
Subproject 1: Compounds and Pathways for Antibacterial Combinations
This project develops new drug combinations and bacterial targets to help people with invasive MRSA 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-11299021 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I would be told the researchers use advanced genetic and chemical screens to find weak spots in MRSA bacteria and compounds that attack those weak spots. They study a bacterial regulator that controls a cell-wall component called lipoteichoic acid and how blocking the enzyme SpsB can cause bacterial death. They are also testing molecules that stop D-alanylation, a modification bacteria use to resist antibiotics, and searching for combinations that make antibiotics more effective. Most of the work is done in the lab with bacterial genetics, genomics, and chemical screening rather than by treating patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with invasive or hard-to-treat MRSA infections, or those at high risk for antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, would be the most likely candidates to benefit from therapies developed here.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those needing immediate clinical treatment may not receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce new combination therapies that restore or improve antibiotic activity against resistant MRSA.
How similar studies have performed: Some related approaches, like combining antibiotics with adjuvant inhibitors, have succeeded clinically, but targeting LTA synthesis and D-alanylation is more experimental and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, Suzanne — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Walker, Suzanne
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.