Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus bacteria survive antibiotic treatment
Official title: Developing a single cell resolution understanding of pathogenesis and antibiotic tolerance in Staphylococcus aureus
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10723906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how some Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can survive antibiotic treatments while others can't, which could help us find better ways to treat infections caused by this germ.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $162,000 |
| NIH project number | 1K22AI177517-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10723906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, particularly those who have experienced treatment failures.
✕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 the complex behaviors of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that can cause serious infections and often develops resistance to antibiotics. By using advanced techniques like single cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to uncover why some bacteria survive antibiotic treatments while others do not. This understanding could lead to better strategies for treating infections by targeting the specific mechanisms that allow certain bacterial populations to tolerate antibiotics. The research focuses on the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to this phenomenon.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using single cell RNA sequencing to understand bacterial behavior, indicating that this approach has potential for uncovering new insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pountain, Andrew William — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Pountain, Andrew William
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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.