Tyrosine's role in tuberculosis
The role of tyrosine metabolism in tuberculosis pathogenesis
Researchers are testing whether problems breaking down the amino acid tyrosine make some people more likely to develop active tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290331 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at blood and genetic samples from people with TB and their household contacts to see if tyrosine and the enzyme FAH affect disease risk. Scientists will measure tyrosine levels in blood, search for genetic variants linked to lower FAH expression, and use CRISPR and mouse or cell models to see how reduced FAH changes immune cells' ability to control M. tuberculosis. The team combines patient samples and observational data from multiple populations with laboratory experiments to connect human findings to biological mechanisms. If you take part, you would likely provide blood samples and basic clinical information but would not necessarily receive a direct treatment from this research.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people recently exposed to tuberculosis or those with active TB who can give blood samples and clinical information.
Not a fit: People without TB exposure or with health issues unrelated to tuberculosis are unlikely to be eligible or to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to blood-based markers to find people at higher risk of TB and to new treatments that target tyrosine metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have observed higher blood tyrosine in people who go on to develop TB, but proving a causal role for FAH with genetic and CRISPR experiments is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suliman, Sara — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Suliman, Sara
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.