Understanding how bacteria modify lipids to resist antibiotics
Official title: Structure and mechanism of membrane enzymes responsible for bacterial lipid modification and polymyxin resistance
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11086712 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some bacteria change their fats to survive against strong antibiotics, with the goal of finding new ways to help treat infections that don't respond to current medicines, which could be really helpful for patients facing tough bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $392,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150831-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086712 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-gram-negative bacteria or those who are not infected may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which certain bacteria modify their lipid structures to resist treatment with polymyxins, a class of last-resort antibiotics. By examining the enzymes involved in this lipid modification process, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. The research employs advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy to visualize these enzymes and their interactions. Patients may benefit from the development of new antibiotics that can effectively target resistant bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the creation of new antibiotics that are effective against multi-drug resistant bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting bacterial resistance mechanisms, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in antibiotic development.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Petrou, Vasileios I — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Petrou, Vasileios I
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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.