Understanding how Salmonella bacteria resist antibiotics
The physiological activation and consequences of Toxin-Antitoxin systems in Salmonella
This project aims to understand how Salmonella bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, which could help us develop new ways to treat infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11081813 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many bacterial infections are hard to treat because some bacteria can go into a "sleep" mode, making them resistant to antibiotics. These "persister" bacteria can cause infections to return and contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. This research looks at special systems within Salmonella bacteria, called Toxin-Antitoxin (TA) systems, that help them survive stressful conditions and become persisters. By learning how these systems work, we hope to find new targets for developing more effective antibiotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who suffer from recurrent bacterial infections, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Salmonella, could eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose infections are easily treated with current antibiotics may not directly benefit from this specific research, which focuses on resistant bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for overcoming antibiotic resistance and developing better treatments for bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the general functions of bacterial toxins are known, this research explores the specific mechanisms by which stress activates these systems, which is a less understood area.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Helaine, Sophie — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Helaine, Sophie
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 below.