Understanding how bacteria build their cell walls to develop new antibiotics

Atomic-level probing of the peptidoglycan biosynthetic machinery in bacterial cell wall biogenesis

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10890653

This study is looking at how certain enzymes help build and break down a key part of bacterial cell walls, with the goal of finding new ways to create antibiotics that can fight tough bacteria, which could help patients in the future.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890653 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the molecular interactions involved in the synthesis of peptidoglycan, a crucial component of bacterial cell walls. By examining how specific enzymes work together to degrade and modify peptidoglycan, the project aims to identify potential targets for new antibiotics. The researchers will use advanced biochemical techniques to explore the interactions between these enzymes and their substrates, which could lead to breakthroughs in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients may benefit from new antibiotic treatments developed from this research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not resistant to current antibiotics may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibiotics that are effective against resistant bacterial infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial cell wall synthesis as a strategy for developing new antibiotics, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.