Understanding how bacteria modify lipids to resist antibiotics
Structure and mechanism of membrane enzymes responsible for bacterial lipid modification and polymyxin resistance
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 ID | NIH-11086712 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by non-gram-negative bacteria or those who are not infected may not receive any benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Newark, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.