Understanding how a harmful bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causes infection
Official title: Transcription Factor Discovery in the Opportunistic Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at Kennesaw State University · NIH-11087696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to understand how a common but dangerous bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, controls its genes to cause infections and resist antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kennesaw State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kennesaw, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $144,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM154191-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not involve direct patient participation at this stage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not currently affected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a tough bacteria that causes serious infections, especially in vulnerable patients like those with cystic fibrosis, burn victims, or weakened immune systems. It is particularly challenging to treat because it can resist many antibiotics and form protective layers called biofilms. This research focuses on 'transcription factors,' which are like switches that turn genes on and off, controlling how the bacteria behaves and causes disease. Scientists will use a special method to discover which genes these switches control in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. By mapping these controls, we hope to find new ways to fight these difficult infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this foundational research could lead to new strategies for developing treatments against severe Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, especially those resistant to current antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: The method used in this project has successfully identified gene controls in other bacteria, but its application to this specific bacteria and its infection-causing genes is new.
Where this research is happening
-
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Dyke, Michael W — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Van Dyke, Michael W
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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.