How Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses toxins to survive stress

Transcriptome and proteome remodeling by Mycobacterium tuberculosis MazF toxins

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10738768

This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria survive tough situations, like our immune system and treatments, by using special proteins, and it aims to find new ways to fight tuberculosis more effectively.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10738768 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) survives various stresses, including immune responses and treatments aimed at eradicating it. The study focuses on understanding the role of toxin-antitoxin systems, specifically the MazE and MazF proteins, in helping Mtb adapt and potentially enter a dormant state. By employing advanced techniques like 5' RNA sequencing, researchers aim to identify how these toxins affect the bacteria's genetic and protein expression under different conditions. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for combating tuberculosis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with latent tuberculosis infections or those at risk of developing tuberculosis.

Not a fit: Patients with active tuberculosis or those who do not have any history of tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that effectively target and eliminate latent tuberculosis infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding toxin-antitoxin systems in bacteria, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into tuberculosis treatment.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.