Understanding how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics
Official title: Connecting structure and fitness landscapes to overcome antibiotic resistance
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10948888 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how some bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, especially a group called Streptogramin A, by changing their genes, and it aims to find new ways to help doctors treat infections more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2023 |
| Project end | September 12, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32GM152977-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948888 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance in bacteria, focusing on how specific genetic mutations affect their ability to survive against antibiotic treatments. By utilizing advanced techniques such as experimental evolution and deep mutational scanning, the researchers aim to create predictive models that explain how bacteria adapt to antibiotics. The study specifically examines the Streptogramin A family of antibiotics and how certain proteins can inactivate them through a process called acetylation. This work could lead to new strategies for overcoming antibiotic resistance and improving treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective antibiotics and treatment strategies for resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding antibiotic resistance through genetic studies, but this approach is innovative in its focus on complex mutations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macdonald, Christian Bernard — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Macdonald, Christian Bernard
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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.