Investigating a protein's role in antibiotic resistance in pneumonia-causing bacteria
Official title: Role of Prp protease in the S. pneumoniae ribosome
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11015521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Prp works with the ribosome in a bacteria that can cause respiratory infections, with the goal of finding new ways to create antibiotics to help fight against antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | November 8, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $216,068 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI187107-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria or those who are not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific protein, Prp, interacts with the ribosome in Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major cause of respiratory infections. The study aims to explore the cleavage of a protein component, L27, which is crucial for the bacteria's survival and function. By examining this process, researchers hope to uncover new targets for antibiotic development, addressing the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. The methodology includes advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy to visualize these interactions at a molecular level.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antibiotics that effectively combat antibiotic-resistant strains of S. pneumoniae.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting ribosomal components for antibiotic development, indicating that this approach could yield significant results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dokland, Terje — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Dokland, Terje
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.