Investigating how bacteria transport zinc to develop new antibiotics
Structure, Function, and Mechanism of Zinc ABC Transporters in Bacteria
This study is looking at how certain proteins help bacteria move zinc around, which is important for their survival and ability to cause infections, and it aims to find new ways to create antibiotics that can fight off these tough bacteria, helping patients who are dealing with resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Mexico State University Las Cruces NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Cruces, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11011248 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the structure and function of zinc transport proteins in bacteria, which are crucial for their survival and virulence. By employing advanced techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance and fluorescence spectroscopy, the team aims to uncover how these transporters operate and how they differ from those in humans. The ultimate goal is to identify new targets for antibiotic development, particularly against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This work could lead to innovative treatments for patients suffering from infections caused by resistant bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Not a fit: Patients with infections that are not caused by bacterial pathogens or those who are not resistant to current antibiotics may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antibiotics that effectively combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting bacterial transport systems for antibiotic development, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Las Cruces, United States
- New Mexico State University Las Cruces — Las Cruces, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yukl, Erik T — New Mexico State University Las Cruces
- Study coordinator: Yukl, Erik T
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.