Using a helpful skin bacterium to prevent infections in diabetic foot wounds
Prevention of intracellular infection in diabetic wounds by commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis
This project will try boosting a common harmless skin germ to stop harmful Staph from hiding inside skin cells and help diabetic foot wounds heal in adults with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11332574 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying whether raising levels of a common skin bacterium called Staphylococcus epidermidis can keep dangerous Staphylococcus aureus from getting inside skin cells and causing long-lasting infection in diabetic foot ulcers. They will examine skin and wound samples, study immune signals such as the antimicrobial protein P-2 in skin cells and specialized T cells, and use lab models and mice to understand the biology. The team will compare bacteria on intact skin and in ulcers and test ways to encourage or apply the helpful bacteria to reduce intracellular bacteria and inflammation. Results will be used to design new treatments aimed at preventing infections and improving healing in diabetic foot wounds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetes who have or are at high risk for diabetic foot ulcers or foot infections would be the most likely candidates for related clinical work.
Not a fit: People without diabetic foot problems or whose wounds are driven mainly by poor blood flow or non-Staphylococcus bacteria may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower diabetic foot infections, reduce chronic inflammation, speed wound healing, and help prevent some amputations.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal work supports the idea that commensal skin bacteria can limit Staph infections, but applying this to prevent intracellular infection in diabetic foot ulcers is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomic-Canic, Marjana — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tomic-Canic, Marjana
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.