Exploring hidden natural products in bacteria for health benefits

From Genes to Molecules and Back: Expanding the Chemical Space of Microbial and Microbiome Natural Products

NIH-funded research Princeton University · NIH-10765436

This study is looking at special substances made by bacteria to find new medicines that could help people stay healthy, especially by using low doses of antibiotics to wake up these hidden compounds.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPrinceton University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10765436 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the natural products encoded in bacterial genomes, focusing on their structures, functions, and therapeutic uses. By developing new methods to stimulate the production of previously inactive natural products, particularly through the use of low-dose antibiotics, the research aims to uncover novel compounds that could benefit human health. The study also explores the role of these metabolites in microbial interactions and their potential applications in treating diseases. Overall, the research seeks to expand our understanding of the chemical diversity present in the human microbiome.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from novel antibiotic treatments or those interested in the role of the microbiome in health.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to bacterial infections or microbiome health may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the discovery of new antibiotics and therapeutic agents that improve patient health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in uncovering novel natural products from microbial sources, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.

Where this research is happening

Princeton, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.