How some bacteria stick and build protective films (biofilms)
Pathogenic Fiber Formation in Bacteria: Structural Basis
Looking at ways to block bacteria from sticking to bladder cells to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11200935 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses detailed structural lab work to understand how bacterial surface fibers and adhesins (like FimH) let germs attach to tissues and form biofilms. Researchers study the three-dimensional shapes and interactions of these proteins from common Gram-negative pathogens to find weak points. The team uses biochemical experiments and high-resolution structural methods to guide design of small molecules that block adhesion, such as mannoside-type compounds. Findings aim to inform treatments that stop infection at the attachment step rather than relying on traditional antibiotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or difficult-to-treat urinary tract infections, or those at high risk of biofilm-related Gram-negative infections, would be the most likely candidates for related therapies or future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by organisms that do not rely on these adhesins, or who need immediate antibiotic treatment for severe sepsis, may not benefit from adhesion-blocking approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new antibiotic-sparing therapies that prevent or treat urinary tract infections and other adhesion-driven Gram-negative infections by stopping bacteria from sticking and forming biofilms.
How similar studies have performed: Blocking adhesins is a promising approach with mannoside compounds having reached early human (Phase 1b) testing, but translating structural findings across diverse pathogens remains an active and partly unproven area.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hultgren, Scott J. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Hultgren, Scott J.
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.