Why Pseudomonas bacteria sometimes survive fluoroquinolone antibiotics
Examining the influence of chromosome copy number on Pseudomonas aeruginosa persisters to fluoroquinolones
This research checks whether differences in chromosome copy number let Pseudomonas bacteria survive fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321654 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria in the lab to see if cells with different numbers of chromosomes are more likely to survive treatment with fluoroquinolone antibiotics. They will compare bacteria engineered or sorted to have one versus multiple chromosome copies and measure DNA damage, repair activity, and survival after antibiotic exposure. Genetic and molecular assays will be used to find the specific genes and repair pathways that allow some cells to persist. This is laboratory-based basic science (not a clinical trial), but findings could guide future patient-focused ways to prevent persistent and resistant infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with chronic or recurrent Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections (for example cystic fibrosis lung infections or hospital-acquired infections) are the group most likely to benefit in the future.
Not a fit: People without Pseudomonas infections or those whose infections are treated with non-fluoroquinolone antibiotics may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets or strategies to prevent Pseudomonas persistence and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance, improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab work showed chromosome copy number affects fluoroquinolone persistence in E. coli, but applying this mechanism to Pseudomonas aeruginosa is novel.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- Princeton University — Princeton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brynildsen, Mark P — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Brynildsen, Mark P
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.