How disease-causing bacteria make and use sulfur
Sulfur Metabolism in Human Pathogens
['FUNDING_R01'] · FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY · NIH-11166514
Researchers are exploring how bacteria produce a sulfur-containing molecule so new drugs or add-ons can help people with antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOCA RATON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166514 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on the enzymes bacteria use to make L-cysteine from sulfate, a process that helps them survive host defenses and some antibiotics. Scientists are determining the structures and mechanisms of key enzymes such as APS reductase and performing lab tests to find compounds that block these pathways. The team will test whether blocking sulfur biosynthesis can sensitize bacteria to existing antibiotics or improve immune clearance using microbial cultures and biochemical assays. All work is preclinical and laboratory-based at Florida Atlantic University, including molecular studies and compound screening.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, such as drug-resistant tuberculosis or other multidrug-resistant bacterial illnesses, are the patients who could eventually benefit.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial illnesses (for example viral or fungal infections) or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new antibiotics or adjuvant drugs that restore or boost antibiotic effectiveness against resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory research has shown that inhibiting bacterial sulfate assimilation can weaken pathogens and increase antibiotic killing, but these approaches have not yet produced approved human treatments.
Where this research is happening
BOCA RATON, UNITED STATES
- FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY — BOCA RATON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CARROLL, KATE SUZANNE — FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CARROLL, KATE SUZANNE
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.