Understanding how human proteins influence antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter bacteria
Official title: Identifying host human products responsible for natural transformation of resistance traits in Acinetobacter spp
Funded at California State University Fullerton · NIH-10875399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a protein in our blood, called human serum albumin, might help a tough germ called Acinetobacter baumannii become even more resistant to antibiotics, which is important for figuring out how to fight antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State University Fullerton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fullerton, United States) |
| Project start | February 7, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $106,500 |
| NIH project number | 5SC3GM125556-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875399 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii or are at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of bacteria or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how human serum albumin (HSA) affects the ability of Acinetobacter baumannii, a significant antibiotic-resistant pathogen, to acquire resistance traits. By examining the interaction between HSA and bacterial surface proteins, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that enhance the bacteria's natural transformation process. The research employs laboratory techniques to analyze gene expression changes in response to HSA, focusing on the regulatory role of specific bacterial proteins. This work is crucial for understanding how human factors contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown success in understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms through host-pathogen interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramirez, Maria Soledad — California State University Fullerton
- Study coordinator: Ramirez, Maria Soledad
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How acetylation affects RNA-splicing decisions
This grant looks at how chemical changes on RNA-binding proteins influence how our cells decide which RNA pieces to keep or skip, which can affect diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
-
Cell Sorter to enable advanced cell analysis at CSUF
A new benchtop cell sorter will help CSUF students and researchers isolate specific cell types for cancer, microbiology, neurobiology, and parasitology studies.
-
Peptide-based drug leads aimed at treating botulism
Researchers are making peptide molecules that could block the botulinum toxin and help people with botulism.
-
How a common human blood protein helps Acinetobacter pick up antibiotic-resistance genes
This project looks at whether human serum albumin, a common blood protein, makes Acinetobacter bacteria more likely to grab genes that cause antibiotic resistance, which matters for people with these infections.
-
Developing new non-opioid medications for chronic pain relief
This study is looking for new ways to help people with chronic pain by creating special medications that work on two key enzymes, which could provide better pain relief without the side effects of traditional treatments, and patients may have the chance to try these new options in trials.
-
Developing new treatments for botulism using synthetic molecules
This study is working on developing new treatments for botulism, a serious illness caused by a harmful toxin, by testing small molecules to see if they can stop the toxin from causing harm.
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.