Finding new ways to fight antibiotic-resistant infections
Uncovering aryl polyene biology to identify new drug targets in Gram-negative bacterial pathogens
This project looks for new weaknesses in tough-to-treat bacteria to help us develop better ways to fight infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11051855 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Antibiotic-resistant infections, especially those caused by Gram-negative bacteria, are a growing concern because current medicines are becoming less effective. These bacteria have a strong outer layer that makes them hard to treat. Our team found a special protective shield, called an aryl polyene (APE), that helps these bacteria survive our body's defenses. We want to learn exactly how these APE shields are built and placed on the bacteria. By understanding this process, we hope to discover new targets for medicines that can disarm these bacteria and make them vulnerable again.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients but aims to benefit those who may suffer from severe, antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections in the future.
Not a fit: Patients whose infections are treatable with existing antibiotics or those with non-bacterial infections would not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of entirely new types of medicines that target bacterial defenses rather than directly killing them, offering hope for patients with antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of targeting bacterial virulence factors is an active area of research, this specific focus on aryl polyenes as a widespread virulence factor in Gram-negative bacteria represents a novel and largely unexplored approach.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Claesen, Jan — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Claesen, Jan
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.