Why some airway bacteria survive DNA-targeting antibiotics
Bacterial Reprogramming that Contributes to Antibiotic Persistence toward Topoisomerase Inhibitors
Finding ways to help DNA-targeting antibiotics work better against stubborn airway bacteria like E. coli and Pseudomonas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Farmington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294222 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have a lung or airway infection that keeps coming back, this research looks at why some bacteria enter a 'persister' state and survive antibiotics that target bacterial DNA. Scientists will study E. coli and Pseudomonas grown in slow or non-growing conditions to mimic hard-to-kill infections. They will test whether boosting bacterial metabolism and blocking bacterial pumps that eject drugs can make topoisomerase inhibitors kill these persistent cells. The team aims to identify approaches that could later be combined with existing or new antibiotics to prevent relapse and slow the rise of resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or hard-to-treat airway infections caused by gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli or Pseudomonas would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People with infections caused by viruses, fungi, or non–gram-negative bacteria, or those needing immediate emergency treatment, are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could make current and future DNA-targeting antibiotics more effective against persistent airway infections, reducing relapses and antibiotic resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier lab studies, including the investigators' own work, showed that metabolic stimulation and blocking drug-efflux can reduce persistence in E. coli, but translating these findings to patient care remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Farmington, United States
- University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt — Farmington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mok, Wendy W.k. — University of Connecticut Sch of Med/dnt
- Study coordinator: Mok, Wendy W.k.
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.