Improving antibiotic effectiveness by changing bacterial DNA structure
Investigating ploidy modulation as a strategy to improve antibiotic activity
This study is looking at how changing the number of DNA copies in bacteria might help antibiotics work better, especially against tough bacteria that can survive treatment and cause ongoing infections, with the goal of finding new ways to improve antibiotic treatments for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061103 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how altering the number of DNA copies in bacteria can enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics, particularly against antibiotic-tolerant cells known as persisters. These persisters can survive antibiotic treatment and contribute to chronic infections and antibiotic resistance. The study will explore the relationship between bacterial DNA structure and their ability to withstand antibiotics, aiming to find new strategies to improve treatment outcomes. By understanding how to manipulate bacterial ploidy, the research seeks to develop methods that could lead to more effective antibiotic therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from chronic bacterial infections that are difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance.
Not a fit: Patients with acute infections that respond well to standard antibiotic treatments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved antibiotic treatments that effectively eliminate persistent bacterial infections and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of manipulating bacterial ploidy is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promising results in enhancing antibiotic effectiveness through genetic modifications.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- Princeton University — Princeton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brynildsen, Mark P — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Brynildsen, Mark P
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.