Exploring how a beneficial nose bacteria can fight harmful Staphylococcus aureus
Official title: Identification of Anti-Staphylococcus aureus Metabolites Produced by Dolosigranulum pigrum from the Human Nose
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11037987 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a helpful bacterium in your nose can fight off a harmful one that causes infections, with the goal of finding new treatments for people who are more vulnerable to these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | February 16, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $71,519 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI182770-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037987 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus or those with recurrent infections related to this bacterium.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Staphylococcus aureus infections or those who are not carriers of this bacterium may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the natural defense mechanisms of Dolosigranulum pigrum, a beneficial bacterium found in the human nose, against the harmful bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The researchers aim to isolate specific compounds produced by D. pigrum that inhibit S. aureus growth and to develop a genetic system for further studies on this bacterium. By understanding these interactions, the research seeks to pave the way for new therapeutic options to combat infections caused by S. aureus, particularly in patients with compromised microbiomes. Patients may benefit from potential new treatments derived from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively combat Staphylococcus aureus infections, particularly in patients with antibiotic-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of utilizing beneficial bacteria to combat pathogens is gaining interest, this specific investigation into D. pigrum and its metabolites is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stubbendieck, Reed M — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Stubbendieck, Reed M
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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.