How antibiotics that target bacterial DNA enzymes kill infections
Mechanistic Studies of Gyrase/Topoisomerase IV-Targeted Antibacterials
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · NIH-11364109
Researchers are finding how common antibiotics called fluoroquinolones damage bacterial DNA machinery to help beat drug-resistant infections like those caused by Acinetobacter.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11364109 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks closely at two bacterial DNA enzymes, gyrase and topoisomerase IV, which fluoroquinolone antibiotics target to kill bacteria. Scientists will examine how these drugs cause double-stranded DNA breaks and how specific mutations in the enzymes allow bacteria to survive. The team will use biochemical tests and structural analyses of the enzymes and their mutated forms, working with bacterial strains linked to human infections such as Acinetobacter and Bacillus species. The aim is to pinpoint molecular changes that cause resistance so better drugs or strategies can be designed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or currently have infections caused by fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria (for example, resistant Acinetobacter infections) would be most relevant to benefit from the findings.
Not a fit: Patients with viral illnesses or bacterial infections that are not treated with fluoroquinolones are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could guide development of new antibiotics or modifications to existing drugs that overcome fluoroquinolone resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural and genetic research has clarified many aspects of fluoroquinolone action and resistance, so this mechanistic approach builds on established methods to address remaining gaps.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY — Nashville, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: OSHEROFF, NEIL — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: OSHEROFF, NEIL
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.