How the BrkB protein helps tuberculosis bacteria grow
Characterizing the requirement of the mycobacterial BrkB ortholog in TB pathogenesis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · LAKE FOREST COLLEGE · NIH-11182684
This work looks at whether a bacterial protein called BrkB helps TB bacteria grow and could become a new drug target for people with tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | LAKE FOREST COLLEGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LAKE FOREST, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11182684 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will study a mycobacterial protein called BrkB that may be important for TB growth and transmission. In the lab they will purify the BrkB protein and test whether it acts as a channel and interacts with other proteins. They will use a related bacterium (Mycobacterium marinum) in a zebrafish model and cell-based tests to see how BrkB mutations change bacterial growth inside and outside host cells, including conditions that mimic late-stage infection. The findings are intended to reveal whether blocking BrkB could weaken TB bacteria and guide development of new drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with active pulmonary tuberculosis, especially those with drug-resistant or late-stage disease, would be the most relevant eventual candidates for therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: People without tuberculosis, those with non-mycobacterial infections, and most children (under 21) are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new bacterial target that leads to drugs shortening treatment and helping people with drug-resistant or late-stage TB.
How similar studies have performed: Scientists have successfully used zebrafish and Mycobacterium marinum to study TB-like infection, but directly targeting BrkB is a new and untested approach for therapy development.
Where this research is happening
LAKE FOREST, UNITED STATES
- LAKE FOREST COLLEGE — LAKE FOREST, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CONRAD, WILLIAM HENRY — LAKE FOREST COLLEGE
- Study coordinator: CONRAD, WILLIAM HENRY
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.
Conditions: B pertussis infection, B. pertussis infection