How ion channels control energy in tuberculosis bacteria
Ion channel regulation of ATP homeostasis in mycobacteria
This project looks at how potassium channels in TB bacteria control their energy so researchers can find new ways to kill drug-resistant or dormant tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189595 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You should know this work is being done in the lab on tuberculosis bacteria and related model bacteria to learn how membrane ion channels affect ATP (the cell's energy). Scientists delete or alter the gene for a putative potassium channel and measure changes in membrane potential, ATP levels, and bacterial survival. They will link those changes to how bacteria respond to antibiotics and to states of dormancy that make TB hard to treat. Findings could point to new drug targets that make antibiotics work better against dormant or drug-resistant TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active tuberculosis, especially those with multi-drug-resistant TB or hard-to-treat dormant infections, are the populations most likely to benefit in the future.
Not a fit: People without tuberculosis will not directly benefit, and because this is early laboratory research, patients are unlikely to see immediate changes in care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that kill dormant and drug-resistant TB more quickly, potentially shortening therapy and reducing deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that block ATP synthesis (for example bedaquiline) have proven the approach of targeting bacterial energy, but targeting potassium channels to control ATP is a newer and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Temple Univ of the Commonwealth — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothberg, Brad S. — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Rothberg, Brad S.
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.