Understanding how Staphylococcus aureus survives on human skin

Metabolic determinants of Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11094096

This study is looking at how the bacteria that can cause skin infections, called Staphylococcus aureus, grows on human skin, using a special lab setup that mimics our skin to help find better ways to treat these infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11094096 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause skin infections, colonizes human skin. The study uses a specially developed laboratory medium that mimics the conditions of human skin, allowing researchers to observe how the bacteria interact with skin metabolites. By analyzing the genetic responses of the bacteria in these conditions, the research aims to uncover the metabolic processes that help the bacteria thrive and potentially lead to infections. This approach addresses the limitations of current animal models and aims to provide insights that could improve treatment strategies for skin infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of skin infections or those who are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have skin infections or are not carriers of Staphylococcus aureus may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for skin infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on Staphylococcus aureus, this specific approach using a human skin-mimicking medium is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.