Understanding how ATP control in TB bacteria could lead to better treatments
Official title: Ion channel regulation of ATP homeostasis in mycobacteria
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11392536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how the energy factory of the tuberculosis bacteria is controlled and how that knowledge could help make drugs that work even when the bacteria resist current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $332,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM150218-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with active or latent TB, especially those with drug-resistant strains, could benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project may not directly benefit patients in the short term and may not impact those without TB.
What this research studies
The project explores how Mycobacterium tuberculosis manages ATP production, focusing on potassium channels that influence ATP synthase. Researchers will study the bacterial physiology and specific gene Rv3200c in model organisms to understand its role in virulence and energy regulation. The aim is to identify new drug targets that could shorten therapy and tackle drug resistance, including dormant bacteria. Results could guide development of therapies that weaken Mtb’s energy system and improve outcomes for TB patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new TB drugs that disrupt the bacteria’s energy production, potentially shortening treatment and helping cases resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies linking bacterial energy systems to drug targets have shown promise, supporting the potential of this approach, though direct translation to TB therapy remains to be demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
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Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothberg, Brad S. — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Rothberg, Brad S.
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.