Finding small molecules that bind to RNA in living bacteria
Official title: Novel approach to identify RNA-bound small molecules in vivo
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10766276 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to find tiny molecules that can attach to important RNA in bacteria, which could help create better antibiotics for treating tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $211,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176122-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10766276 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method to identify small molecules that bind to RNA within bacterial cells. By targeting specific RNA structures that are crucial for the survival and virulence of pathogens, the study aims to enhance the discovery of potential antibiotic treatments. The approach involves using natural regulatory RNAs and RNA aptamers to capture these small molecules, which could lead to more effective therapies against infections caused by bacteria with high mutation rates. This innovative methodology seeks to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and real-world applications in treating bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are more effective against resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting RNA with small molecules is promising, it is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in vivo, indicating a potential for groundbreaking advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Serganov, Alexander — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Serganov, Alexander
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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.