Understanding how Dapsone works against leprosy bacteria
Official title: Mechanism of action of Dapsone in Mycobacterium leprae
Funded at Colorado State University · NIH-10914018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the antibiotic Dapsone works against the bacteria that cause leprosy, especially focusing on why some strains are resistant to the drug, which could help improve treatments for people with leprosy in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175596-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with leprosy, particularly those who have experienced treatment failures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have leprosy or those who are not affected by antibiotic resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the antibiotic Dapsone affects Mycobacterium leprae, the bacteria responsible for leprosy. By comparing drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains of the bacteria, the researchers aim to identify new molecular markers that contribute to antibiotic resistance. The study utilizes a related bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, to explore how specific genes influence resistance to Dapsone. This could lead to a better understanding of treatment failures and improve future therapies for leprosy patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for leprosy by identifying new targets for antibiotic action.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying antibiotic resistance mechanisms in related bacteria, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Avanzi, Charlotte — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Avanzi, Charlotte
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Center for Bat One Health: investigating bat health and spillover risk
A center in West Africa and the U.S. will study how bat biology and environmental stressors influence virus shedding and the chance of viruses jumping to people.
-
Center for Bat One Health Investigations and Outbreak Response
A national research center will study how bat stress from heat and human activity affects bat biology and viruses to understand spillover risks to people.
-
Center for Bat One Health Investigations, Research, and Outbreak Response
A center focused on how stressors like heat and human activity affect bats and the viruses they carry, to help prevent spillover to people.
-
Executive Function Support for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-led program helps young children with Down syndrome build executive function skills during a 12-week period.
-
How malaria spreads and resists treatment in different parts of Burkina Faso
This project looks at how different mosquitoes, parasites, and human factors shape malaria risk across communities in Burkina Faso.
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.