Understanding how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics
Cell-to-cell heterogeneity and the emergence of antibiotic resistance
This work explores how individual bacteria survive antibiotic treatments and develop resistance, a major challenge in healthcare.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240860 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem because new drugs aren't being developed fast enough to keep up with resistant bacteria. This project looks at how bacteria change their genes to become resistant, often after surviving initial antibiotic exposure. We want to understand how some individual bacterial cells temporarily protect themselves from antibiotics, allowing them to acquire and express resistance genes. By studying these early steps, we hope to learn how resistance spreads through bacterial populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future clinical applications could benefit individuals with bacterial infections.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or overcome antibiotic resistance, improving treatment options for bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of single-cell tolerance are still being uncovered, other studies have shown that bacteria can develop resistance through genetic changes and temporary survival strategies.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dunlop, Mary J. — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Dunlop, Mary J.
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.