How tuberculosis bacteria control genes and repair DNA
Molecular Mechanisms of Transcription Initiation and DNA Repair
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11291881
Researchers are learning how the tuberculosis bacterium controls gene activity and fixes DNA so new treatments can be developed for drug-resistant TB.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291881 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory experiments to observe how Mycobacterium tuberculosis turns genes on and off and repairs DNA damage. Scientists focus on bacterial transcription factors called CarD and RbpA and use purified proteins, ensemble and single-molecule biophysics, and kinetic modeling to watch key steps in transcription initiation. The team will also compare findings to related processes in yeast and human systems to clarify shared mechanisms. By revealing core bacterial dependencies, the work aims to point to new antibiotic targets to combat drug-resistant TB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active or drug-resistant tuberculosis would be the likely eventual candidates for therapies that arise from this research.
Not a fit: People without tuberculosis or with non-bacterial lung conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets for antibiotics that better treat drug-resistant tuberculosis.
How similar studies have performed: Related molecular and biophysical studies have led to useful drug targets in other bacteria, though applying single-molecule and kinetic approaches to Mtb transcription factors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY — SAINT LOUIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GALBURT, ERIC A — WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GALBURT, ERIC A
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.