Discovery of how Pseudomonas aeruginosa controls its genes and antibiotic resistance
Official title: Transcription Factor Discovery in the Opportunistic Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at Kennesaw State University · NIH-11359628 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will use a new method to uncover how a common pathogen switches on genes that help it cause infections and resist antibiotics, with the goal of informing future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kennesaw State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kennesaw, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $144,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM154191-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11359628 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections or those at high risk for such infections could benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not dealing with P. aeruginosa infections may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic study.
What this research studies
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a dangerous bacterium that can cause serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems. This grant will apply a method called REPSA to map which transcription factors control key genes in this organism. By identifying where these factors bind and which genes they regulate, scientists hope to uncover new targets to disrupt its defenses and virulence. The work focuses on MerR-family transcription factors that are believed to influence antibiotic resistance and pathogenic behavior. Results could guide the development of novel strategies to treat or prevent P. aeruginosa infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new approaches to weaken the bacterium’s defenses and improve treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous use of REPSA in bacteria has successfully identified transcription factor targets, supporting this approach’s potential.
Where this research is happening
-
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Dyke, Michael W — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Van Dyke, Michael W
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.