Natural bacterial proteins that could fight cholera
Vibrio microcins. A hidden field of targeted anti-cholerae natural products.
Researchers are developing tiny natural proteins called microcins that can slip into cholera bacteria to kill them and potentially help people with cholera.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11320883 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or your community are affected by cholera, scientists are studying microcins — small antibacterial proteins made by some bacteria — as a new way to target Vibrio cholerae. They are looking for microcins that bind the cholera bacterium's outer membrane and use the cell's own transport systems to get inside. Most of the work is being done in the lab to isolate these molecules, study how they enter bacterial cells, and test whether they stop bacterial growth. This could expand beyond existing "Trojan horse" antibiotic ideas and point toward new medicines for cholera.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People infected with Vibrio cholerae or living in areas experiencing cholera outbreaks would be the most likely to benefit from any future treatments derived from this research.
Not a fit: People with diarrheal illness not caused by Vibrio cholerae or infections from Gram-positive bacteria are unlikely to benefit from microcin-based therapies aimed at cholera.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new antibiotics that more effectively kill cholera bacteria and treat cholera infections.
How similar studies have performed: Some 'Trojan horse' antibiotics such as cefiderocol have successfully used bacterial transport systems, but applying microcins as human treatments is largely new and not yet tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davies, Bryan William — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Davies, Bryan William
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.