How changes in bacteria affect resistance to antibiotics
Official title: Mechanisms of Lipid A Modification Impacting Antimicrobial Resistance
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11050442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific bacteria, Acinetobacter baumannii, changes its outer layer to avoid being killed by antibiotics, and it aims to find new ways to make these antibiotics work better for people with tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $569,210 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI182654-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly those involving Acinetobacter baumannii.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not multidrug-resistant or those who do not have severe infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain bacteria, specifically Acinetobacter baumannii, modify their outer membranes to resist treatment from antimicrobial peptides and antibiotics like colistin. By understanding the mechanisms behind these modifications, the research aims to develop new inhibitors that can enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics against these resistant bacteria. The study focuses on the role of lipid A modification in bacterial resistance, which is crucial for patients suffering from severe infections. If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for infections that are currently difficult to manage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies to overcome antibiotic resistance, leading to more effective treatments for patients with severe bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial resistance mechanisms, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sousa, Marcelo C. — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Sousa, Marcelo C.
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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.