How bacterial proteins work with DNA and RNA
Deciphering fundamental biological processes involving protein-nucleic acid interactions at the molecular level
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11248744
Researchers are mapping how bacterial proteins interact with DNA and RNA to uncover new ways to fight antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11248744 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team at Duke is looking closely at the tiny molecular interactions between proteins and nucleic acids in bacteria using lab techniques such as structural imaging, biochemistry, and genetics. They focus on processes that control bacterial transcription, DNA organization, and RNA editing, and they study signaling systems like c-di-GMP that control bacterial development. By revealing how these molecular machines work, the researchers hope to find weak points that could be targeted by new antibacterial drugs. This is basic laboratory research that lays the groundwork for future treatments rather than testing medicines in people today.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria or those at high risk of such infections would be most likely to benefit from follow-on treatments informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial conditions (for example viral or genetic diseases) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic microbial research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets that lead to antibiotics or therapies for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural and biochemical studies have helped identify drug targets and contributed to new antibiotics, although applying these approaches to the specific bacterial switches studied here is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHUMACHER, MARIA — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SCHUMACHER, MARIA
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.