Investigating how certain viruses that infect bacteria are structured and assembled
Structure and assembly of dsDNA tailed bacteriophages
This study is exploring how certain viruses that attack bacteria work, with the hope that understanding them better can help create new treatments for infections that are hard to treat with current antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10915462 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target bacteria. It aims to understand the structure and assembly of these viruses, particularly how they package their genetic material and mature into their final form. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers will analyze the interactions between different protein components of the phages. This knowledge could lead to innovative applications in developing new antibiotics and therapeutic drugs to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.
Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or those not affected by bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to current antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using bacteriophages as therapeutic agents, indicating that this approach could be a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Conway, James F. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Conway, James F.
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.