Targeting a specific enzyme to develop new antibiotics against resistant bacterial infections
Official title: Investigation of the Flavin Dependent Thymidylate Synthase enzyme as a potential antimicrobial target
Funded at San Francisco State University · NIH-10937907 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special enzyme in some harmful bacteria that cause infections, like tuberculosis, to find out how it works and how we can block it without harming our own cells, which could help create new antibiotics for tough-to-treat infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Francisco State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $193,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM154731-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937907 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly those infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Clostridioides difficile.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria that do not utilize the flavin-dependent thymidylate synthase enzyme may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a unique enzyme involved in DNA biosynthesis in certain harmful bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Clostridioides difficile. By focusing on the flavin-dependent thymidylate synthase (FDTS), the project aims to understand how this enzyme works and how it can be selectively inhibited without affecting similar enzymes in humans. The approach involves detailed biochemical studies to explore the enzyme's structure and function, which could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are effective against antibiotic-resistant infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the creation of new antibiotics that effectively treat resistant bacterial infections with minimal side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting unique bacterial enzymes for antibiotic development, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koehn, Eric Michael — San Francisco State University
- Study coordinator: Koehn, Eric Michael
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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.