Investigating chemical tools to disrupt bacterial communication
Official title: Chemical probes to modulate acyl-homoserine lactone quorum signal synthesis
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-10784999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa talks to itself using special chemical signals, and it aims to find new ways to stop these signals so that the bacteria can't work together to cause infections, which could lead to better treatments for patients dealing with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $94,718 |
| NIH project number | 3R15GM148920-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, particularly those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria or those not affected by bacterial infections may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain bacteria, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, communicate with each other using chemical signals called acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs). By developing small molecule inhibitors that can block the synthesis of these signals, the research aims to interrupt the bacteria's ability to coordinate their behavior, which is crucial for their virulence. The study will explore various AHL analogs to identify how they can effectively inhibit the enzymes responsible for AHL production, potentially leading to new treatments for bacterial infections. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to novel therapies that reduce the severity of infections caused by these bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively combat bacterial infections by disrupting their communication systems.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using chemical probes to disrupt bacterial communication, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
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Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagarajan, Rajesh — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Nagarajan, Rajesh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical & Translational Research Development Program
A multi-institution effort in Idaho to build clinical and translational research capacity and workforce to address local health needs.
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Healthy Idaho Health Research Core supports translational projects
A Boise State University program funds and guides health research projects in Idaho to turn ideas into bigger health improvements for local communities.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical and Translational Research Design and Data Management
A program to strengthen how clinical and translational studies are planned, run, and using health data across Idaho, helping researchers design better studies and use EHR data responsibly.
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Healthy Idaho community engagement for translational research
A Boise State University program aims to strengthen ties between researchers and Idaho communities to support research that meets local health needs.
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Healthy Idaho professional development for clinical and translational research
A program to help Idaho investigators build skills and mentoring networks to conduct high-quality clinical and translational research.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical & Translational Research Development Administrative Core
A funded administrative core in Idaho helps coordinate and support clinical and translational research to improve health across the state.
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.