Investigating a new inhibitor to combat antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus
Official title: Use of a novel tricyclic Stk1 inhibitor to uncover molecular mechanism in clinically relevant strains of S. aureus
Funded at High Point University · NIH-10580348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment that could help make antibiotics work better against tough infections caused by MRSA, a type of bacteria that doesn't respond to many common antibiotics, by blocking a specific protein that helps the bacteria resist treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | High Point University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (High Point, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $436,960 |
| NIH project number | 2R15GM134503-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580348 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Staphylococcus aureus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a novel tricyclic Stk1 inhibitor affects antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, particularly in methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA). The study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind Stk1's role in controlling genes related to antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. By inhibiting Stk1, researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics against resistant bacterial infections. The research involves in vitro experiments and genetic tools to explore the effects of Stk1 inhibition on various clinically relevant strains of MRSA.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar mechanisms to combat antibiotic resistance, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
High Point University
High Point, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Heather B — High Point University
- Study coordinator: Miller, Heather B
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.