Investigating how mycobacteria use trehalose for survival and developing new drugs to target this process
Mycobacterial trehalose metabolism as drug targets
This study is looking at how certain bacteria, like the one that causes tuberculosis, use a sugar called trehalose to survive, and it aims to create new medicines that can stop these bacteria from using that sugar, which could lead to better treatments for people with tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10435457 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how mycobacteria, including the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, utilize and recycle a sugar called trehalose, which is crucial for their survival. The project aims to develop new drugs that inhibit specific enzymes involved in trehalose metabolism, potentially leading to more effective treatments for tuberculosis. By improving existing inhibitors and creating new ones, the research seeks to enhance the ability to kill M. tuberculosis, thereby advancing treatment options for patients. The study combines biochemical assays and structural biology to design and test these inhibitors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis, particularly those with drug-resistant forms of the disease.
Not a fit: Patients with non-mycobacterial infections or those who do not have tuberculosis will likely not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new drug therapies that more effectively treat tuberculosis and combat drug-resistant strains.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in bacteria, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in tuberculosis treatment.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ronning, Donald R — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ronning, Donald R
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.