Helping viruses (phages) better kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Genetic and Proteomic Approaches to Reveal Bacterial Vulnerabilities to Phage Predation
This project looks for bacterial weak spots that let naturally occurring viruses (phages) kill Pseudomonas bacteria more reliably, with the goal of helping people who have hard-to-treat bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323156 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the lab to find genes and proteins that let bacteria resist phage killing. They will use genetic tools (including CRISPR interference) to partially turn down essential bacterial genes and run proteomics to map protein changes that affect phage success. The team aims to identify targets that, when blocked or combined with phages, make bacterial killing more effective. Results could guide new combinations or treatments to overcome bacterial resistance to phage therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future trials based on this work would most directly apply to people with stubborn or antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, such as chronic lung infections or hospital-acquired infections.
Not a fit: People with viral illnesses, non-bacterial conditions, or bacterial infections not caused by Pseudomonas are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make bacteriophage-based treatments more effective against antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas infections.
How similar studies have performed: Phage therapy has produced promising results in some compassionate-use and clinical cases, but using CRISPRi and proteomics to systematically overcome phage resistance is a newer and largely experimental approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bondy-Denomy, Joseph — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Bondy-Denomy, Joseph
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.