How tuberculosis bacteria manage sugar metabolism to resist drugs

Interplay of M. tuberculosis trehalose metabolism and its pathogenesis and drug resistance

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-11041029

This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria change the way they use sugar to survive against antibiotics, which could help us find new ways to treat drug-resistant TB.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11041029 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria causing tuberculosis (TB), alters its sugar metabolism to survive against antibiotic treatments. By focusing on the role of trehalose, a sugar that the bacteria use, the study aims to understand the mechanisms that allow TB to develop drug resistance. The researchers will utilize advanced metabolomics techniques to analyze how these bacteria adapt their metabolic processes, which could lead to new strategies for treating drug-resistant TB. This work is crucial as it addresses a significant public health challenge posed by drug-resistant TB strains.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis or those at high risk of developing drug resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with drug-sensitive tuberculosis or those without a history of TB infection may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for drug-resistant tuberculosis, potentially reducing treatment costs and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding bacterial metabolism and drug resistance, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.