Creating new antibiotics that spare healthy gut bacteria for treating Clostridioides difficile infections
Development of Microbiome-Sparing Antibacterials for Clostridioides difficile Infection
This study is looking for new ways to treat Clostridioides difficile infections by targeting a specific enzyme that helps the bacteria survive, aiming to create safe treatments that won't harm the good bacteria in your gut.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11047461 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new antibacterial treatments specifically for Clostridioides difficile infections, which can be severe and often recur. The team is investigating a bacterial enzyme called FabK, which is crucial for the bacteria's survival, and aims to create inhibitors that target this enzyme without harming the beneficial bacteria in the gut. By using mouse models, they have shown that inhibiting FabK can effectively combat C. difficile while preserving the normal gut microbiome. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of these inhibitors and ensure they are safe for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections and are seeking new treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have Clostridioides difficile infections or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from recurrent C. difficile infections, reducing relapse rates and improving overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar bacterial enzymes for antibiotic development, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hevener, Kirk Edward — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hevener, Kirk Edward
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.