Investigating how Mycobacterium tuberculosis makes and transports riboflavin
Official title: Riboflavin Synthesis and Transport in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11035566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria get the vitamin riboflavin they need to grow and survive, to see if they can make it themselves or if they need to take it from the person they infect, with the goal of finding new ways to treat tough cases of tuberculosis faster.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | November 22, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI187844-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035566 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis, particularly those with multidrug-resistant strains.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis infections or those who do not have active tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the metabolic pathways that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) uses to synthesize and transport riboflavin, a vitamin essential for its growth. The study aims to determine whether Mtb can produce riboflavin on its own during infection or if it relies on scavenging from the host. By examining the role of riboflavin in Mtb's survival and drug susceptibility, the research seeks to identify new antibiotic targets that could shorten tuberculosis treatment, especially for multidrug-resistant strains. The approach includes using genetically modified strains of Mtb to assess the effects of riboflavin availability on the bacteria's physiology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel antibiotics that shorten tuberculosis treatment and effectively combat multidrug-resistant TB.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting metabolic pathways in bacteria can lead to successful antibiotic development, suggesting this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tischler, Anna Degraff — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Tischler, Anna Degraff
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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.