Understanding how bacteria build their protective layers

Manipulating undecaprenyl phosphate levels to decipher mechanisms of competing cell envelope assembly pathways in Escherichia coli

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS · NIH-11097195

This study is looking at how a certain type of bacteria, called E. coli, builds and keeps its protective outer layer, and it’s for anyone interested in finding new ways to fight bacterial infections with better antibiotics and vaccines.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11097195 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which the cell envelope of Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria, is assembled and maintained. By manipulating levels of a specific lipid carrier called undecaprenyl phosphate, the researchers aim to uncover how this lipid affects the growth and survival of bacteria. The study will explore how increasing or decreasing undecaprenyl phosphate levels influences bacterial processes and how different pathways compete for this essential lipid. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for developing antibiotics and vaccines against bacterial infections.

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 non-bacterial pathogens, such as viruses or fungi, may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibacterial treatments that are more effective against resistant strains of bacteria.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in manipulating bacterial pathways to develop new antibiotics, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

LITTLE ROCK, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.