Lab testing to understand antibiotic resistance in dangerous Gram-negative bacteria
Core 2 Mechanistic Assay Core
This project develops laboratory tests to reveal how two hard-to-treat bacteria block or remove antibiotics, with the goal of helping people who have drug-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11164494 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will run and refine mechanistic assays that measure outer membrane permeability, β-lactamase activity, intracellular drug accumulation, and washout kinetics for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The Mechanistic Assay Core will provide standardized, cutting-edge tests that support multiple linked projects focused on antibiotic combinations. Data from these assays will be used to design rational combination dosing regimens of existing and new antibiotics. The core integrates results across projects to translate lab findings toward clinically relevant treatment strategies for resistant Gram-negative infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed or suspected infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii or carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae would be the clinical group most likely to benefit from resulting treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by non–Gram-negative organisms (for example viral or fungal infections) or with bacteria that are already drug-susceptible are unlikely to benefit directly from this core's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better antibiotic combinations and dosing plans that improve outcomes for people with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter or Klebsiella infections.
How similar studies have performed: This core builds on previously developed mechanistic assay platforms (including prior R01-funded work) and extends established methods to new combination-therapy questions.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lang, Yinzhi — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Lang, Yinzhi
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.