Understanding how staphylococcal proteins help bacteria form protective communities
Official title: Structure and function of staphylococcal surface proteins involved in biofilm growth and virulence
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11159465 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help bacteria stick together and form tough clusters called biofilms, which can make infections harder to treat, and it aims to find new ways to break up these biofilms to help people recover better from infections caused by these bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $401,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151986-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159465 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections related to Staphylococcus species, particularly those with antibiotic-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by non-staphylococcal bacteria or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms by which certain proteins on the surface of Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. aureus contribute to the formation of biofilms, which are clusters of bacteria that adhere to surfaces and are resistant to antibiotics. The study will focus on specific proteins that promote bacterial adhesion and the formation of these biofilm communities. By examining how these proteins interact and contribute to biofilm stability, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to disrupt biofilm formation and improve treatment outcomes for infections caused by these bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating persistent infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting biofilm formation in other bacterial species, suggesting that similar approaches may be effective for staphylococcal infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herr, Andrew B — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Herr, Andrew B
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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.