Understanding how bacteria build their protective walls to fight antibiotic resistance
Atomic-level probing of the peptidoglycan biosynthetic machinery in bacterial cell wall biogenesis
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11191448
This research explores how bacteria construct their outer protective layer, called the cell wall, to discover new ways to overcome antibiotic-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11191448 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Antibiotic-resistant infections are a growing concern for global health, making it harder to treat common illnesses. This project focuses on the bacterial cell wall, which is essential for bacteria to survive and is a key target for new medicines. We are working to understand the tiny, atomic-level details of how bacteria build and maintain this wall. By uncovering these intricate processes, we hope to find new weak spots that future antibiotics can target. This could lead to the development of powerful new drugs to fight infections that current antibiotics can no longer treat.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research aims to benefit all patients who may face bacterial infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct, immediate benefit from this basic science research, as it is focused on understanding fundamental bacterial processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of entirely new antibiotics capable of treating infections that are currently resistant to existing drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies by this team have shown that targeting specific parts of the bacterial cell wall machinery can disrupt its function, suggesting a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VERBA, KLIMENT A — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: VERBA, KLIMENT A
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.