Natural Products for Fighting Bacterial Infections and Resistance
Natural Product-Inspired Approaches Toward The Development Of Antivirulence And Species-Specific Inhibitors
This research explores natural compounds to create new medicines that specifically target harmful bacteria and prevent them from forming protective layers, which could help overcome antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089536 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking at compounds found in nature, like those from plants and fungi, as starting points for new treatments. The goal is to develop medicines that are very specific, meaning they only attack certain types of bacteria without harming beneficial ones. We also aim to stop bacteria from forming biofilms, which are sticky layers that make infections harder to treat and contribute to antibiotic resistance, especially around medical implants. Our work combines chemistry, genetics, and microbiology to understand how these natural compounds work and to create improved versions for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients who may suffer from bacterial infections, especially those with antibiotic-resistant strains or infections related to medical devices.
Not a fit: Patients currently seeking immediate treatment for bacterial infections will not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective treatments for bacterial infections, particularly those that are resistant to current antibiotics or involve medical implants.
How similar studies have performed: Natural products have a long history of providing effective medicines, and some natural compounds have already shown promising activity against specific bacteria.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wuest, William M — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Wuest, William M
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.