Using chemical probes to control bacterial communication signals
Official title: Chemical probes to modulate acyl-homoserine lactone quorum signal synthesis
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-10579520 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bacteria talk to each other and aims to create new treatments that can stop them from communicating, which could help make infections less severe for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $408,579 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM148920-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10579520 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria or those not affected by quorum sensing mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain bacteria communicate with each other through chemical signals known as acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs). By developing small molecule inhibitors that target the enzymes responsible for producing these signals, the research aims to disrupt bacterial communication and potentially reduce their virulence. The approach involves creating specific chemical probes to identify new binding sites on these enzymes, which could lead to more effective treatments against bacterial infections. Patients may benefit from new therapies that can limit harmful bacterial behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that reduce the virulence of harmful bacteria, improving patient outcomes in bacterial infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using chemical inhibitors to disrupt bacterial communication, indicating that this approach may yield successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
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Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagarajan, Rajesh — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Nagarajan, Rajesh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical & Translational Research Development Program
A multi-institution effort in Idaho to build clinical and translational research capacity and workforce to address local health needs.
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Healthy Idaho Health Research Core supports translational projects
A Boise State University program funds and guides health research projects in Idaho to turn ideas into bigger health improvements for local communities.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical and Translational Research Design and Data Management
A program to strengthen how clinical and translational studies are planned, run, and using health data across Idaho, helping researchers design better studies and use EHR data responsibly.
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Healthy Idaho community engagement for translational research
A Boise State University program aims to strengthen ties between researchers and Idaho communities to support research that meets local health needs.
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Healthy Idaho professional development for clinical and translational research
A program to help Idaho investigators build skills and mentoring networks to conduct high-quality clinical and translational research.
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Healthy Idaho Clinical & Translational Research Development Administrative Core
A funded administrative core in Idaho helps coordinate and support clinical and translational research to improve health across the state.
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.