Stopping bacteria from 'talking' to weaken infections
Cracking the Microbial Language: Characterization of Novel Biocatalysts for Interfering with Signaling to Illuminate Quorum Sensing Mechanisms
Researchers are creating enzymes that break bacterial chemical signals to help prevent harmful behaviors in bacteria that cause infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090788 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
They are studying how bacteria 'talk' using chemical signals called quorum sensing and using enzymes such as lactonases to break those signals. In the lab they will test these enzymes on single bacterial strains and on mixed communities to see how blocking signals changes bacterial behavior and competition. The team will identify which parts of the enzymes control signal selectivity and then try to improve enzymes so they target specific messages without disrupting others. They will also work on enzymes that can break different classes of signals to broaden possible applications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with bacterial infections—especially those with antibiotic-resistant infections—would be the most likely future candidates for therapies emerging from this work.
Not a fit: People with viral illnesses or non-infectious conditions would not directly benefit from this bacterial-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new non-antibiotic treatments that reduce harmful bacterial behaviors and help combat antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Lab studies have shown enzyme-based quorum-sensing interference can reduce harmful bacterial behaviors, but such approaches remain experimental and are not yet proven as clinical treatments.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elias, Mikael H — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Elias, Mikael H
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.