How nutrients affect bacteria in hard-to-treat infections.
Official title: Nutrient-driven bacterial physiology in recalcitrant infections.
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-10943814 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different nutrients affect the growth and behavior of certain bacteria that can cause long-lasting infections, with the goal of finding better ways to treat these infections for patients who struggle with antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $368,774 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155575-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10943814 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from chronic infections that are difficult to treat with standard antibiotics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute infections or those not affected by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of nutrients in the growth and behavior of bacteria that cause chronic infections, particularly focusing on a group of bacteria known as gram-positive anaerobic cocci (GPAC). These bacteria often form protective biofilms and grow slowly, making them resistant to standard antibiotic treatments. By understanding how the nutrient environment influences their metabolism and physiology, the research aims to uncover new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance and improve treatment outcomes for patients with chronic infections. The study will involve laboratory experiments to explore the relationship between nutrient availability and bacterial behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively treat chronic infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting nutrient-driven bacterial physiology is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in understanding bacterial behavior in chronic infections.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spero, Melanie a. — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Spero, Melanie a.
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.