How infections reveal weak spots in Gram-negative bacteria
Infection-Dependent Vulnerabilities of Gram-negative Bacterial Pathogens
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · NIH-11373346
This project looks for weak spots that let drugs kill Gram-negative bacteria like Salmonella during infection.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11373346 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are searching for features that make Gram-negative bacteria vulnerable while they live inside mammalian cells. They use infected cell cultures and small chemical compounds to see which molecules can stop Salmonella from surviving inside host cells. The team studies how the body's innate defenses change the bacterial outer membrane or block efflux pumps so compounds can reach bacterial targets, and they test promising compounds in mice. The goal is to find drug strategies that work during real infections rather than only in laboratory broth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at risk for Gram-negative bacterial infections (for example Salmonella) could follow results or may be candidates for future clinical trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by non–Gram-negative organisms or who need immediate standard-of-care treatment may not receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new drugs or drug combinations that better clear Gram-negative infections, including antibiotic-resistant Salmonella, during infection.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies have shown promising results with some compounds reducing bacterial survival, but these approaches have not yet been proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO — Boulder, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DETWEILER, CORRELLA S — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
- Study coordinator: DETWEILER, CORRELLA S
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections