Peptidome-based tools for faster, precise detection of nontuberculous mycobacteria
Official title: Peptidome-Driven Algorithms for Faster and More Precise Mycobacterial Detection
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11413783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new test uses peptide patterns and mass spectrometry to quickly and accurately identify NTM bacteria and predict which drugs will work best for people with chronic lung disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $535,257 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI185864-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with chronic lung disease suspected of harboring NTM infections would be most suitable.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without NTM infection or not undergoing diagnostic evaluation for NTM are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
If you have chronic lung disease, this project aims to improve how we identify NTM infections and choose effective antibiotics using a peptide-based MS assay called MycoID. The researchers will refine and test the LC-MS/MS workflow to distinguish NTM species and subspecies and to forecast drug susceptibility, which could shorten time to correct treatment. This work builds on prior findings showing peptide variants can serve as reliable biomarkers for mycobacterial identification. The study will evaluate accuracy, reliability, and practicality of applying this approach in clinical diagnostics. By moving toward a rapid, precise test, patients could avoid ineffective therapies and reduce drug-related toxicity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with NTM infections could receive faster and more accurate treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests MS-based peptide biomarkers can accurately identify mycobacterial species, supporting potential clinical benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Jia — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Fan, Jia
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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.