Understanding how Enterococcus faecalis survives and resists antibiotics
Official title: Second Messenger Nucleotides of Enterococcus faecalis
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11031327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a tough bacteria called Enterococcus faecalis survives in the body and resists antibiotics, with the hope of finding better ways to treat infections it causes, which could help patients dealing with these stubborn infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | March 17, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $500,046 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI172179-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by Enterococcus faecalis, particularly those with multidrug-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria that do not involve Enterococcus faecalis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis to thrive in challenging environments, particularly in the human body. It focuses on the role of second messenger nucleotides, which are molecules that help bacteria respond to stress and regulate their virulence. By studying how these nucleotides interact and affect the bacteria's ability to resist antibiotics, the research aims to uncover new strategies for combating multidrug-resistant infections. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for infections caused by this resilient bacterium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve treatment outcomes for patients with antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding bacterial signaling mechanisms, but this specific approach to Enterococcus faecalis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lemos, Jose a — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Lemos, Jose a
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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.