Discovering new antibiotics from marine microbes using advanced genomics
Enabling synthetic biology through single cell functional genomics
This study is exploring how tiny ocean microbes talk to each other and make substances that could help fight infections, using samples from sea creatures like nudibranchs and sponges to find new potential antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11015909 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how marine microbes communicate and produce substances that can be used as antibiotics. By collecting samples from marine animals like nudibranchs, tunicates, and sponges, the team will analyze single cells to identify genetic information related to antibiotic production. The project employs advanced bioinformatics and flow cytometry techniques to engineer and produce these antibiotic compounds in laboratory settings. This innovative approach aims to uncover new antibiotic candidates that could be effective against infectious diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections that are difficult to treat with existing antibiotics.
Not a fit: Patients with infections that are easily treatable with current antibiotics may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are effective against resistant infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in discovering new antibiotics from natural products, indicating that this approach could yield significant results.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burkart, Michael D. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Burkart, Michael D.
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.