How tuberculosis bacteria move nutrients through their protective coat
Transporter function of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE/PPE proteins
Researchers are looking at whether a family of TB bacterial proteins helps carry nutrients across the bacterium's thick outer layer, which could matter for people with tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239766 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory experiments to learn whether a large family of TB proteins called PE/PPE act as channels or transporters across the bacterium's outer membrane. The team will use genetic tools such as CRISPRi to reduce or silence these protein genes and then measure effects on bacterial growth and nutrient uptake. Biochemical and structural approaches will be used to see whether the proteins form transport assemblies in the membrane. The work is conducted in controlled lab cultures and aims to identify potential weak points in the bacteria that new treatments could target.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active or latent tuberculosis who are willing to provide samples for laboratory research or to be considered for future trials based on these findings would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without tuberculosis or patients needing immediate clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets for drugs that block TB bacteria from getting nutrients, which might lead to more effective treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Some recent laboratory studies have hinted that certain PE/PPE proteins may act in transport, but applying those findings to new therapies is still at an early and unproven stage.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grundner, Christoph — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Grundner, Christoph
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.