How a tuberculosis protein helps the bacteria spread to bones
The Bacterial Genetic Basis of Bone Disease and Dissemination in Mycobacterial Infection: Roles of ESX-5 Secreted WXG Effectors
Researchers are learning how a tuberculosis protein called EsxM helps bacteria move from the lungs to other sites like bone, which is relevant for people with or at risk for TB.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224079 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work started from a clinical outbreak strain that caused unusually high rates of bone tuberculosis and identified a full-length bacterial protein, EsxM, linked to that pattern. In the lab, scientists are studying how EsxM changes the movement and behavior of infected immune cells (macrophages) and how related bacterial genes are turned on or off during infection. They will test these bacterial mechanisms in animal models, including mice and zebrafish, to see how they drive dissemination and bone disease. The goal is to connect specific bacterial genes to the processes that let TB spread beyond the lung.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although the work uses lab and animal models, people with tuberculosis—especially those with or at risk for extrapulmonary or bone TB—are the patient group most likely to benefit from eventual advances based on these findings.
Not a fit: People without tuberculosis or whose care is unrelated to TB dissemination are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal bacterial targets for new treatments or prevention strategies to stop TB from spreading to bones and other sites.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work identified EsxM's role in changing macrophage movement and linked it to outbreak strains, but applying these findings toward therapies or clinical prevention of bone TB is still largely novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tobin, David M. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Tobin, David M.
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.