Understanding how bacteria build their protective outer layer to fight antibiotics
Biogenesis of cyclic and phospholipid-linked enterobacterial common antigen
This project looks at how certain bacteria build their protective outer layer, hoping to find new ways to overcome antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11094785 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many common infections are caused by gram-negative bacteria, which are becoming harder to treat due to antibiotic resistance. These bacteria have a strong outer layer that acts like a shield, keeping many antibiotics out. Our researchers are studying how these bacteria build and strengthen this shield, especially under stressful conditions. We are focusing on a key component called enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) and how it helps make the outer layer impermeable. By understanding these processes, we aim to discover new weak points in bacteria that future medicines could target.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Klebsiella, could indirectly benefit from this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients with infections not caused by gram-negative bacteria or those that are not antibiotic-resistant would not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new medicines that weaken bacteria's defenses, making existing antibiotics more effective against resistant infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific details of ECA biogenesis are not fully understood, the general approach of targeting bacterial outer membranes to combat resistance is a recognized area of scientific exploration.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell, Angela Marie — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Mitchell, Angela Marie
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.