Phage-based tools to target and kill harmful bacteria
Function and application of contractile injection systems and jumbophage RNA polymerases
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON · NIH-11329528
This project aims to turn parts of bacterial viruses into new tools that could help people suffering from dangerous, antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GALVESTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11329528 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
They will study how phage tails and related contractile machines physically pierce bacterial cells and use that knowledge to redesign R-type pyocins (tailocins) to target medically important bacteria. The team will combine lab experiments, physical measurements, and computational models to map the mechanics and energetics of sheath contraction and tube injection. In a second arm, they will analyze a large 'jumbophage' RNA polymerase to understand how it recognizes promoters and to adapt it for robust in vitro RNA synthesis and amplification. Together, these approaches aim to create both precision antibacterial particles and new RNA tools that could support diagnostics or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens (for example, Pseudomonas and other clinically important bacteria) are the most likely future beneficiaries or candidates for related clinical testing.
Not a fit: People with viral illnesses, non-infectious conditions, or infections caused by bacteria not targeted by these engineered phage tools are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce targeted antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant bacteria and new RNA-based laboratory tools that speed diagnosis or therapeutic development.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies have shown engineered phage-derived killing particles can work against bacteria, while using jumbophage RNA polymerases for RNA amplification is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
GALVESTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON — GALVESTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEIMAN, PETR G — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON
- Study coordinator: LEIMAN, PETR G
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.