Understanding and fighting antibiotic resistance
Structural, mechanistic, & evolutionary characterization of tetracycline destructases
['FUNDING_U01'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11075321
This work aims to understand how certain bacteria break down antibiotics, so we can develop new ways to make our medicines work again.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11075321 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our team discovered a group of enzymes, called tetracycline destructases (TDases), that make common antibiotics ineffective. We are working to understand exactly how these enzymes destroy antibiotics and how they have spread among bacteria. By learning more about their structure and how they evolved, we hope to design new tools to identify these resistant bacteria and create medicines that can block the enzymes, helping antibiotics work better for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients who currently or in the future may face infections resistant to common antibiotics, particularly tetracyclines.
Not a fit: Patients without bacterial infections or those whose infections are treatable with current antibiotics may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that restore the effectiveness of vital antibiotics, helping patients fight serious bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Our team previously discovered these antibiotic-destroying enzymes and has since identified many more, laying a strong foundation for this continued work.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DANTAS, GAUTAM — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DANTAS, GAUTAM
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.