Understanding how bacteria respond to stress from antibiotics

Exploring envelope stress response toxicity and regulation in gram-negative bacteria

NIH-funded research University of Nevada Las Vegas · NIH-10909810

This study looks at how certain bacteria, like E. coli, handle stress from antibiotics and focuses on a protein called DnaJ that helps them repair themselves; by learning more about this process, researchers hope to find better ways to make antibiotics work even better against these tough germs.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Las Vegas, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909810 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how gram-negative bacteria, like E. coli, manage stress caused by antibiotics. It focuses on the envelope stress response (ESR), which helps bacteria repair damage to their cell envelope. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms by which a specific protein, DnaJ, regulates this response and how its overactivation can be toxic to bacteria. By understanding these processes, researchers hope to find new ways to manipulate bacterial responses to enhance antibiotic effectiveness.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, particularly those resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by gram-positive bacteria or those not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for making antibiotics more effective against resistant bacterial infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in manipulating bacterial stress responses, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.

Where this research is happening

Las Vegas, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.