Understanding how a specific protein affects bacterial resistance to antibiotics
Official title: A non-canonical role of Caspase-1 in regulating bacterial antimicrobial resistance
Funded at Institute for Systems Biology · NIH-10889851 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Caspase-1 helps bacteria, like Salmonella, resist antibiotics, and it aims to find new ways to treat stubborn infections that don’t respond to current medicines, which could help patients dealing with these tough bugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Institute for Systems Biology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $282,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI178424-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889851 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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-bacterial pathogens or those not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Caspase-1, a protein traditionally known for its role in cell death, in regulating how bacteria resist antibiotics. By using advanced sequencing technology, the study aims to explore how bacteria adapt to host defenses and how this knowledge can help combat antimicrobial resistance. The research focuses on intracellular pathogens like Salmonella and examines the mechanisms by which they evade the effects of antimicrobial peptides and last-resort antibiotics. Patients may benefit from insights gained into new strategies for treating bacterial infections that are resistant to current antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections that are currently difficult to manage due to antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding host-pathogen interactions and their implications for antimicrobial resistance, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Institute for Systems Biology
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akhade, Ajay Suresh — Institute for Systems Biology
- Study coordinator: Akhade, Ajay Suresh
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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.