Understanding how certain bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics

An Analysis of ICE R391 Pathogen-encoded Rum DNA Polymerase in Generating Mutations Driving Rapid Acquisition of Antibiotic Drug Resistance in Diverse Recipient Bacterial Species

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-11019315

This study is looking at how certain bacteria become resistant to antibiotics by changing their DNA, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how these changes help bacteria survive treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11019315 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how specific bacteria acquire resistance to antibiotics through mutations driven by a unique DNA polymerase known as Rum pol. By analyzing the mechanisms of mutation and the role of a protein called RecA, the study aims to uncover how these changes enable bacteria to survive antibiotic treatments. The research will involve laboratory experiments to observe the effects of Rum pol on various bacterial species, providing insights into the genetic factors that contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Not a fit: Patients with infections that are not caused by bacterial pathogens or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the genetic mechanisms of antibiotic resistance can lead to significant advancements in treatment options, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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 2026-06-09 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.