How changes to bacterial membranes affect resistance to antibiotics
Official title: Modifications of Lipid A with Phospho-Ethanolamine Impacting Polymyxin Resistance
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11039418 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a part of bacteria's outer layer can help them resist antibiotics, and it's working on finding new ways to make those antibiotics more effective for patients dealing with tough infections caused by bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 18, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI188388-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039418 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 Acinetobacter baumannii.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by antibiotic-sensitive bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how modifications to a component of bacterial membranes, specifically Lipid A, can lead to resistance against important antibiotics like colistin. By focusing on the enzyme responsible for these modifications, the study aims to develop new inhibitors that could enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Patients with infections caused by resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii may benefit from this research, as it seeks to improve treatment options for these challenging infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that restore the effectiveness of antibiotics against resistant 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.