Why some gonorrhea strains resist ceftriaxone antibiotics
Molecular mechanism of cephalosporin resistance of N. gonorrhoeae conferred by mutated PBP2
Researchers are working to understand how changes in a bacterial protein make gonorrhea resistant to ceftriaxone, to help people with drug-resistant infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Alabama NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mobile, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285422 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists will examine PBP2, the bacterial protein that cephalosporin antibiotics target, and compare normal and mutated versions found in resistant gonorrhea strains. They will use lab experiments, structural techniques, and computer simulations to see how the drug binds and how mutations change the protein's shape and movements during binding and acylation. By testing specific mutated PBP2 proteins from resistant strains, the team aims to pinpoint which molecular changes block the antibiotic from working. These detailed findings are intended to guide the design of new drugs or improvements to existing antibiotics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with gonorrhea—especially those whose infections do not respond to standard antibiotics—could potentially provide bacterial samples for this research.
Not a fit: This laboratory-focused work will not provide immediate treatment or clinical benefit to participants needing care now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new or improved antibiotics that work against gonorrhea strains resistant to ceftriaxone.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural and biochemical studies have linked PBP2 mutations to resistance, and this project applies deeper structure-function and molecular dynamics work to generate new insights.
Where this research is happening
Mobile, United States
- University of South Alabama — Mobile, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Davies, Christopher — University of South Alabama
- Study coordinator: Davies, Christopher
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.