Identifying key genes in the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa that contribute to antibiotic resistance
Official title: Transcription Factor Discovery in the Opportunistic Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at Kennesaw State University · NIH-10850187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a germ called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can make people with weak immune systems, like those with cystic fibrosis, very sick, controls its harmful abilities, and it hopes to find new ways to fight against antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kennesaw State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kennesaw, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $144,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM154191-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cystic fibrosis, immunocompromised individuals, and burn victims who are at risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections or do not have conditions that compromise their immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause serious infections in vulnerable patients, regulates its harmful traits through specific genes. The team will utilize a novel method called Restriction Endonuclease Protection Selection and Amplification (REPSA) to pinpoint the DNA binding sites of transcription factors that control these genes. By mapping these interactions, the research aims to uncover new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in this opportunistic pathogen, which is particularly dangerous for patients with weakened immune systems, such as those with cystic fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively target and reduce infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified transcription factors in other bacteria, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well.
Where this research is happening
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Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Dyke, Michael W — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Van Dyke, Michael W
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.