Understanding how a specific gene affects immune cell function
Official title: Defining the role of the RGS12 locus in macrophage function
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11160996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called RGS12 affects immune cells that help fight infections, like tuberculosis, and it hopes to find new ways to improve treatments for patients by using zebrafish and information from human patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,321 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI191426-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with tuberculosis or those who have experienced severe infections requiring robust immune responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-infectious diseases or those not affected by immune system dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the RGS12 gene in regulating macrophages, which are crucial immune cells involved in responding to infections. By studying how RGS12 influences macrophage behavior, particularly in the formation of granulomas during infections like tuberculosis, the research aims to uncover important mechanisms of immune response. The approach includes using zebrafish models and analyzing data from human patients to draw connections between gene function and disease severity. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses in patients with infections, particularly tuberculosis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding immune cell regulation through genetic studies, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lowy, Jacob — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lowy, Jacob
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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.