Understanding how a unique antibiotic is made by bacteria
Mechanisms of unusual enzymes in the biosynthesis of a copper-containing antibiotic
This study is looking at how a special antibiotic made by a common bacteria works, with the goal of finding new ways to use it to help fight tough infections that don't respond to regular treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10912560 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the biosynthesis of fluopsin C, a copper-containing antibiotic produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known for causing drug-resistant infections. The team will explore the unique enzymes involved in this process, focusing on their catalytic mechanisms and potential for repurposing in drug development. By employing techniques such as enzyme kinetics, structural biology, and spectroscopy, the researchers aim to uncover how these enzymes function and how they can be engineered to create new therapeutic compounds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Not a fit: Patients with infections that are not caused by antibiotic-resistant 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 multidrug-resistant infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in utilizing novel enzyme mechanisms for antibiotic development, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Bo — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Li, Bo
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.