New ways to attack Gram-negative bacteria by targeting their outer membrane
Outer Membrane Biogenesis: New Antibiotic Targets
Researchers are exploring parts of Gram-negative bacteria's outer shell to find drugs that could treat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11318883 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks inside the protective outer layer of Gram-negative bacteria to find weak spots that new antibiotics could use. Scientists will map the structure and interactions of the protein machines that build two key outer membrane components, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane proteins (OMPs). They will use biochemical experiments, high-resolution structural methods, and cell-based studies to characterize assembly steps and intermediate forms. If molecules are found that block these machines, they could become starting points for new treatments against resistant infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria would be the eventual beneficiaries and potential participants in future clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients with non-bacterial illnesses or infections caused by Gram-positive organisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new antibiotics that overcome resistance in Gram-negative infections.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have identified promising bacterial targets, but translating these findings into approved antibiotics remains largely unproven and in the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Harvard University — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kahne, Daniel — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Kahne, Daniel
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.