Understanding how certain enzymes create antibiotics

Mechanisms and Evolution of Assembly-Line Polyketide Synthases

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11082278

This study is looking at how certain enzymes help make powerful antibiotics, with the goal of finding better ways to create new ones that can help fight infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11082278 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which assembly-line polyketide synthases (PKSs) produce complex antibiotic compounds. By studying the structural dynamics and catalytic processes of these enzymes, the research aims to enhance our understanding of their function and evolution. The approach includes reconstituting PKSs in laboratory settings and using advanced imaging techniques to observe their behavior. This could lead to improved methods for engineering these enzymes to create new antibiotics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include patients with bacterial infections that are difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antibiotics that are more effective against resistant bacterial strains.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding enzyme mechanisms for antibiotic production, suggesting that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Candidate Disease Gene

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.