Understanding how bacteria build and maintain their protective outer layer to fight antibiotics
Official title: Discovery and characterization of bacterial cell envelope assembly and remodeling networks that modulate tolerance to antibiotics
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11059103 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how bacteria, like the ones that can cause infections, build their protective outer layers and how we might be able to make antibiotics work better against them, which could help patients dealing with tough infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $418,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150669-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059103 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include 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 complex structure of bacterial cell envelopes, which are crucial for bacterial growth and survival. By focusing on the mechanisms that bacteria use to control their cell wall assembly and the role of specific enzymes, the research aims to uncover how these processes can be disrupted by antibiotics. The study uses the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae as a model to explore how bacteria manage their defenses against antibiotic treatment. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how to enhance antibiotic effectiveness against resistant bacterial strains.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for overcoming antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flores-Kim, Josue — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Flores-Kim, Josue
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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.