Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus resists beta-lactam antibiotics

The mechanism of the beta-lactam resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

NIH-funded research Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10674849

This study is looking into how certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus, especially the ones that are resistant to common antibiotics, manage to resist treatment, and it hopes to find new ways to help patients by understanding the role of specific enzymes in this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10674849 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), to beta-lactam antibiotics, which are commonly used to treat bacterial infections. The study focuses on specific enzymes produced by MRSA that contribute to this resistance, including PBP2A and FtsH. By examining how these enzymes interact with the antibiotics and affect bacterial cell wall synthesis, the research aims to identify potential strategies to overcome this resistance. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that could be developed based on these findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by bacteria other than Staphylococcus aureus may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for MRSA infections, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding antibiotic resistance mechanisms, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Indianapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bacterial Infectionsbacteria infectionbacterial disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.