Understanding how antibiotic resistance evolves from environmental bacteria
Official title: Characterizing novel Beta-lactamases from metagenomic samples: insights into the evolution of antimicrobial resistance from the environment towards human-associated pathogens
Funded at Ubatec S.a. · NIH-10906673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some bacteria in the environment become resistant to strong antibiotics, which could help us find better ways to treat infections that don't respond to current medicines, and it's especially important for people who might face these tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ubatec S.a. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina) |
| Project start | September 21, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $128,258 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI160371-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have infections or are not at risk of antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain bacteria in the environment develop resistance to antibiotics, particularly focusing on a group called carbapenemases that can break down powerful antibiotics. By analyzing soil samples from Alaska and Antarctica, researchers aim to identify and characterize these resistance mechanisms. This approach not only helps in understanding the evolution of antibiotic resistance but also provides an early warning system for potential threats to human health. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to better treatment options for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating antibiotic-resistant infections in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding antibiotic resistance through environmental studies, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
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Ubatec S.a.
Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Power, Pablo — Ubatec S.a.
- Study coordinator: Power, Pablo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Characterizing novel beta-lactamases from environmental samples to understand antimicrobial resistance
Scientists are studying new beta-lactamase enzymes found in soils farther from clinics to learn how resistance to antibiotics evolves and could reach human pathogens.
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Soil bacteria that can destroy powerful antibiotics (carbapenem enzymes)
This project looks for and describes enzymes in soil bacteria that can destroy powerful antibiotics so clinicians can get earlier warnings about emerging drug resistance.
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.