Finding new medicines made by microbes, including those in the human microbiome
From Genes to Molecules and Back: Expanding the Chemical Space of Microbial and Microbiome Natural Products
This work looks for hidden chemicals produced by bacteria—especially microbes that live on and in people—that might be turned into new antibiotics or other medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177642 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will search bacterial genomes and laboratory cultures to find genes that can make previously hidden natural molecules. They will use lab methods to turn those genes on, including using low-dose antibiotic triggers, and study the enzymes that build these compounds. The team will apply these approaches to microbes from the human microbiome as well as other bacterial genera to expand the range of microbe-made chemicals. Findings could guide development of new therapeutic compounds derived from microbiome or environmental bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People willing to provide microbiome samples (for example stool, skin, or oral swabs) or to be considered for future tests of microbiome-derived therapies would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Individuals seeking immediate personal treatment are unlikely to benefit directly because this is basic research aimed at discovering molecules rather than offering a therapy now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new antibiotics and other therapies discovered from microbes, including those in the human microbiome.
How similar studies have performed: Related research has previously uncovered novel natural products and unusual biosynthetic enzymes, but applying these methods broadly to the human microbiome is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- Princeton University — Princeton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seyedsayamdost, Mohammad R — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Seyedsayamdost, Mohammad R
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.