How gonorrhea bacteria resist antibiotics and the body's defenses
Gonococci: Genetics of Resistance to PMN Proteins
This project looks at how gonorrhea bacteria change to survive antibiotics and immune attack, aiming to help people with drug-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146536 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study a bacterial protein pump called MtrCDE that can push out antibiotics and host defense molecules. They analyze bacterial genes and single-letter mutations that raise pump activity or alter the MtrD transporter, using lab-grown bacteria and female mouse infection models and biochemical tests. By linking specific genetic changes to survival and resistance, the team aims to point to ways to block the pump or restore antibiotic effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with gonorrhea—especially infections that do not respond to standard antibiotics—would be the most relevant group for sample donation or future clinical follow-up from this research.
Not a fit: People without gonorrhea or those whose infections are easily cured by current antibiotics are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to overcome antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea or restore the effectiveness of current drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that the MtrCDE efflux pump affects antibiotic resistance and that altering this system changes gonococcal fitness, so this work builds on established findings rather than being entirely untested.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shafer, William Maurice — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Shafer, William Maurice
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.