# Identification of novel MDR antimicrobials from insect-Streptomyces symbioses

> **NIH NIH U19** · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · 2021 · $1,061,111

## Abstract

Abstract
To combat the constant emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, the discovery of structurally novel natural
products with antimicrobial properties is a critical need. As part of the Wisconsin Antimicrobial Drug Discovery
and Development Center, we will address the urgent need for new antimicrobial drug leads by exploiting an
innovative source: Streptomyces symbionts of insects. In our preliminary work we have shown that these
Actinobacteria represent a rich and largely untapped source of novel antimicrobials with therapeutic potential.
For example, we have shown in vivo (murine) safety and efficacy against Gram-negative bacterial and fungal
human pathogens for several dozen lead molecules. In addition, we have confirmed antifungal efficacy and
safety in our FDA-enabling murine model for our drug lead Cyphomycin, a novel molecule we discovered from
an insect-Streptomyces. In our approach, we will also apply new genomic and metabolomic approaches, along
with ecologically-informed bioassays. Our research will help reinvigorate the antimicrobial discovery pipeline and
identify new MDR active drug leads.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10125093
- **Project number:** 5U19AI142720-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- **Principal Investigator:** Cameron Robert Currie
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,061,111
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-04-01 → 2024-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10125093

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10125093, Identification of novel MDR antimicrobials from insect-Streptomyces symbioses (5U19AI142720-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10125093. Licensed CC0.

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