Understanding how Pseudomonas aeruginosa protects itself from antibiotics
Official title: Novel phospholipase involved in outer membrane homeostasis in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10825970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special enzyme in a tough bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can resist antibiotics, to find out how it helps the bacteria survive, with the hope of discovering better ways to treat infections for patients dealing with antibiotic resistance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $45,574 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI181511-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825970 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, particularly those with conditions like cystic fibrosis or other immunocompromising diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-resistant bacteria or those not infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the outer membrane of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known for its resistance to antibiotics. The study focuses on a specific enzyme, PlpD, that plays a role in maintaining the membrane's structure and function. By examining how this enzyme contributes to the bacteria's ability to resist antibiotic treatment, the research aims to uncover new strategies for combating infections caused by this pathogen. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to more effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding antibiotic resistance mechanisms in similar bacteria, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kepple, Johnathan Lee — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Kepple, Johnathan Lee
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.