Using viruses to kill harmful bacteria
Official title: Bacteriophage strategies to lyse bacterial cells
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-10939083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how special viruses called bacteriophages can help fight bacterial infections by breaking down the bacteria's outer walls, which could lead to new ways to tackle tough infections that don't respond to antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $364,505 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155289-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or those not affected by bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, can effectively kill bacterial cells. The project focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which these phages release new viral particles by breaking down the bacterial cell walls. By studying the proteins involved in this lysis process, researchers aim to uncover new strategies to combat bacterial infections, particularly those resistant to antibiotics. The approach combines molecular biology techniques with bioinformatics to characterize novel lysis proteins and their functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for bacterial infections, especially those that are resistant to current antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramsey, Jolene — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Ramsey, Jolene
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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.