Understanding how certain small RNAs in Staphylococcus aureus affect infections.
Official title: Characterization of two virulence-associated S. aureus sRNAs
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11119551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny molecules in antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to see how they help the bacteria cause infections in people with cystic fibrosis and chronic wounds, with the hope of finding new ways to treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | January 10, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $236,100 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190856-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic infections, particularly those with cystic fibrosis or chronic wounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria that are not Staphylococcus aureus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs) in Staphylococcus aureus, particularly focusing on strains that are resistant to antibiotics. By analyzing RNA sequences from samples of cystic fibrosis sputum and chronic wounds, the researchers aim to uncover how these sRNAs contribute to the bacteria's ability to cause infections, especially under stress conditions. The study employs advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and Northern blots to characterize these sRNAs and their expression patterns. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of bacterial virulence and inform the development of new treatment strategies for infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of non-coding RNAs in bacterial infections, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whiteley, Marvin — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Whiteley, Marvin
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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.