Understanding and targeting the outer membrane of harmful bacteria
Project 3: Defining and defeating the mechanisms of outer membrane biogenesis in Gram-negative bacteria
This study is looking for new ways to fight tough infections caused by certain bacteria that don't respond to many antibiotics, by targeting a key part of their protective outer layer to make antibiotics work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10890708 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how Gram-negative bacteria, which are resistant to many antibiotics due to their protective outer membrane, can be targeted for new treatments. The team will focus on a specific protein complex that is essential for the bacteria's outer membrane assembly. By using a model organism, E. coli, they will identify vulnerabilities in this assembly process and develop nanobodies that can disrupt the membrane, potentially allowing antibiotics to be more effective. This innovative approach aims to uncover new ways to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria or those not infected with bacteria may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are effective against resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting bacterial outer membranes, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treating resistant infections.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernhardt, Thomas G — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Bernhardt, Thomas 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.