Understanding how bacteria communicate to resist antibiotics
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Bacterial Two-component Signaling Systems
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11020956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common and harmful germ called Staphylococcus aureus manages to survive and resist antibiotics, focusing on how it senses its surroundings, which could help us find new ways to fight antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $546,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170557-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020956 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria that do not involve Staphylococcus aureus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that allow Staphylococcus aureus, a common and dangerous bacterium, to survive and resist antibiotics. By focusing on two-component signaling systems, which help bacteria sense and respond to their environment, the study aims to uncover how these systems regulate the bacterium's virulence and ability to form biofilms. The research involves laboratory experiments to analyze the behavior of these signaling systems under different conditions, which could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments that effectively target antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting bacterial signaling systems to combat antibiotic resistance, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fuentes, Ernesto Jorge — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Fuentes, Ernesto Jorge
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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.