Understanding how bacteria resist phage attacks to improve treatment options for infections.
Official title: Mechanisms of reverse transcriptase mediated phage resistance in Enterobacteriaceae
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10901546 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how we can use viruses that target bacteria, called bacteriophages, to help fight tough infections caused by bacteria that don't respond to regular antibiotics, and it aims to find out how these bacteria protect themselves so we can create better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,937 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AI183830-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901546 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not Enterobacteriaceae or those who are not infected may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, which pose a significant public health threat, can be controlled by bacteriophages. It investigates the mechanisms that these bacteria use to defend against phage attacks, particularly focusing on reverse transcriptase genes that may play a role in this defense. By understanding these interactions, the research aims to develop phage therapies as alternatives to traditional antibiotics, potentially offering new treatment options for patients with severe infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative phage therapies that effectively treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using phage therapy to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Stephen — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Tang, Stephen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Precision phenotyping of emphysema in the elderly: a study in diverse adults
Researchers will look at CT scans and lung tests in older adults to understand different forms of emphysema and how they relate to health outcomes.
-
HPV-based cervical cancer screening and treatment implementation in resource-limited settings
A collaborative project to help doctors in South Africa put HPV-based screening and same-day treatment for cervical cancer into routine care, so more people get fast, effective care.
-
Cervical cancer screening and treatment rollout in resource-poor settings
A team from Columbia and the University of Cape Town is testing how to best implement affordable, same-day HPV-based screen-and-treat for cervical cancer in public health settings.
-
Understanding SCN3A-related Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy and Finding Better Treatments
This NIH grant focuses on how SCN3A gene variants cause developmental epileptic encephalopathy and aims to develop more effective therapies for affected patients.
-
mChoice: Boosting PrEP Use and Adherence for Black and Latino MSM with Tailored Training and Support
A national study to help Black and Latino men who have sex with men start and stick with PrEP through culturally matched provider training and patient support.
-
M-CaRE: Mobile clinics and a smart heart-lung care tool for multimorbidity
A mobile, multilingual tool plus community health workers will help screen and manage high blood pressure and COPD in diverse adult patients, especially in underserved areas.
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.