Investigating how certain bacterial genes can be inhibited to combat infections.
Official title: Virulence gene regulators of enteric bacterial pathogens: Determining the structural and functional mechanisms of small molecule and polypeptide inhibitors
Funded at Dartmouth College · NIH-10984475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain tiny molecules can block specific gene regulators in harmful bacteria, which could help create new treatments for infections, especially those that are hard to treat with current antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project start | November 17, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $609,357 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168157-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by enteric bacterial pathogens such as Acinetobacter, Escherichia, and Salmonella.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-enteric bacterial pathogens may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which specific bacterial gene regulators, known as AraC/Virulence Regulators, can be inhibited by small molecules and polypeptides. By studying these regulators in various pathogenic bacteria, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections. The approach involves detailed structural and functional analyses to uncover how these inhibitors work at a molecular level. Patients may benefit from new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections as a result of this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting bacterial gene regulators, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth College
Hanover, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kull, Fredrick Jon — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Kull, Fredrick Jon
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.