How tuberculosis bacteria make and send key sugar-fat molecules
Assembly and export of mycobacterial lipoglycans
Researchers are working to understand how TB bacteria build and move certain surface sugar-fat molecules that help them infect people so future treatments can target them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10862546 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on PIM, LM and LAM, special sugar-fat molecules on the surface of tuberculosis and leprosy bacteria that affect how they interact with human cells. Scientists will determine the detailed structures of these molecules, identify the bacterial genes and enzymes that make them, and study how the molecules are transported to the cell surface using genetic and biochemical methods. They will generate and examine bacterial mutants missing specific biosynthesis or export steps to see how those changes affect bacterial survival and immune interactions. The goal is to reveal bacterial weak points that could guide new drugs or vaccines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active tuberculosis or leprosy, or individuals willing to provide clinical samples or bacterial isolates, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without mycobacterial infections or those with unrelated conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these surface molecules could point to new drug or vaccine targets to help people with tuberculosis or leprosy.
How similar studies have performed: Researchers have clarified parts of PIM/LM/LAM structure and biosynthesis over the past 25 years, but key steps in their complete biogenesis and export are still unresolved.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, Mary — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Jackson, Mary
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.