Understanding how bacteria stick to cells and creating treatments to stop them
Characterization of Bacterial Lectin-Carbohydrate Binding and Development of Anti-Adhesion Inhibitors
This study is looking at how certain proteins help harmful bacteria stick to our bodies, especially in urinary infections, and aims to create new treatments that can stop this sticking, with the help of undergraduate students who will be hands-on in the research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Asheville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Asheville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10625679 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on bacterial lectins, which are proteins that help bacteria adhere to host cells, contributing to infections. The project aims to develop new anti-adhesion therapies that target these lectins, particularly in uropathogenic E. coli and other harmful bacteria. By characterizing the binding sites of specific adhesins, the research seeks to create high-affinity ligands that can inhibit bacterial adhesion and improve treatment outcomes. Undergraduate researchers will be actively involved in the experimental process, contributing to the development of these innovative therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by uropathogenic E. coli or related bacterial pathogens.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria not targeted by this research, or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant infections, may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively prevent bacterial infections and combat antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: There have been successful approaches in targeting bacterial adhesins in other pathogens, indicating potential for this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Asheville, United States
- University of North Carolina Asheville — Asheville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmahon, Caitlin M — University of North Carolina Asheville
- Study coordinator: Mcmahon, Caitlin M
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.