New treatments to stop Uropathogenic E. coli from causing urinary tract infections
D-peptide Inhibitors of Uropathogenic E. coli Adhesion Proteins to Treat Urinary Tract Infections
This study is looking for new ways to treat urinary tract infections by blocking the germs that cause them from sticking to your urinary tract, using special tiny proteins that could help keep you healthy without harming the good bacteria in your body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10933568 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new treatments for urinary tract infections (UTIs) by targeting specific adhesion proteins on Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) that allow the bacteria to attach to and infect the urinary tract. The approach involves creating D-peptide inhibitors that block these proteins, preventing the bacteria from adhering to host cells. By using advanced techniques like mirror-image phage display, the researchers aim to identify effective inhibitors that can be delivered in a way that maintains their effectiveness while minimizing disruption to beneficial bacteria. This innovative method could lead to a new class of treatments that are less reliant on traditional antibiotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience recurrent urinary tract infections caused by Uropathogenic E. coli.
Not a fit: Patients with UTIs caused by non-Uropathogenic E. coli or other pathogens may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for patients suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections, reducing reliance on antibiotics.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using D-peptide inhibitors is innovative, similar strategies targeting bacterial adhesion have shown promise in other studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robins, Marcy — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Robins, Marcy
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.