Nutrient clues to tackle stubborn bacterial infections
Official title: Nutrient-driven bacterial physiology in recalcitrant infections.
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-11357587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how the nutrients in the human body shape stubborn bacteria so we can find better ways to treat chronic infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $368,774 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155575-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic infections where GPAC bacteria are suspected or identified, especially in situations involving anaerobic, hard-to-treat infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria outside this focus or those not experiencing chronic, biofilm-associated infections may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Chronic infections are hard to treat because bacteria slow down and form protective biofilms, making standard antibiotics less effective. The research focuses on how the body's nutrient environment pushes bacteria into these tough states and how bacterial metabolism responds. By studying gram-positive anaerobic cocci, the team hopes to uncover new ways to bypass antibiotic tolerance and disrupt biofilms. The work builds on early findings that nutrient availability strongly influences bacterial behavior in chronic infections. If successful, this could reveal new targets to improve healing and reduce recurrent infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with chronic infections could have more effective treatments that overcome antibiotic tolerance and biofilm-related persistence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests nutrients can regulate bacterial behavior and biofilm formation, supporting a potentially fruitful direction, though specifics for GPAC are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spero, Melanie a. — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Spero, Melanie a.
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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.