Understanding how certain proteins help bacteria resist antibiotics

Serine/threonine kinase signaling in beta-lactam resistance of Staphylococcus aureus

NIH-funded research University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10908271

This study is looking at how a specific process in bacteria helps them resist antibiotics, especially in tough infections like MRSA, with the hope that understanding this could lead to better treatments for patients dealing with these stubborn infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10908271 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which a specific signaling pathway in bacteria, known as the eukaryotic-like serine/threonine kinase (eSTK) signaling pathway, contributes to antibiotic resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The study aims to uncover how this pathway affects the expression of a gene responsible for antibiotic resistance and how it interacts with other factors that influence bacterial survival against beta-lactam antibiotics. By exploring both classical and non-classical mediators of resistance, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to new strategies for overcoming antibiotic resistance. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to the development of more effective treatments for infections caused by resistant bacteria.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or other antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria that are not resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on the eSTK signaling pathway is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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.