Investigating a key enzyme in tuberculosis bacteria
Official title: Protein-Derived Cofactor in Bifunctional Enzyme KatG from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-11168868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special enzyme from the tuberculosis bacteria to see how a certain protein can help it fight off stress, with the goal of making the bacteria weaker and improving treatments for people with tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $312,854 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM152982-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168868 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with tuberculosis who may benefit from enhanced treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis infections or those who do not respond to standard tuberculosis treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the enzyme KatG from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which plays a crucial role in the bacteria's ability to survive in the human body. The study aims to understand how a specific protein-derived cofactor enhances the enzyme's function, particularly its ability to combat oxidative stress. By inhibiting the catalase activity of KatG, the research seeks to weaken the bacteria's virulence while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness of existing tuberculosis treatments. This dual approach could lead to more effective therapies for tuberculosis patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for tuberculosis, making them more effective against the bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting bacterial enzymes to improve treatment outcomes, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Aimin — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Liu, Aimin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Coronary disease and immune activation in people with HIV and tuberculosis coinfection
This research looks at how having HIV and latent tuberculosis together might raise the risk of heart disease, and what immune changes are involved.
-
Pulmonary rehabilitation to reduce breathing problems after tuberculosis
A program of guided exercise and breathing training to help adults who have recovered from TB breathe better and feel healthier.
-
Pulmonary rehab to reduce breathing troubles after TB
A program of pulmonary rehabilitation is being studied to help adults who have completed TB treatment avoid ongoing lung problems and improve daily breathing.
-
Air pollution and tuberculosis spread in Kampala, Uganda
This project looks at whether dirty air from PM2.5 particles makes tuberculosis more likely to spread within urban slum households in Kampala, Uganda.
-
Air pollution and TB spread in Ugandan urban slums
This project explores whether exposure to air pollution makes tuberculosis more likely to spread within households in a crowded Ugandan slum.
-
Air pollution and TB transmission in Kampala’s urban slums
This project looks at whether air pollution from PM2.5 makes tuberculosis spread more easily from infected people to their neighbors in urban slums of Kampala, Uganda.
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.