Understanding how mycobacteria secrete proteins through their cell wall
Official title: Tracking the hierarchical secretion of ESX-1 substrates through the mycobacterial cell envelope
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11119071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria, like those that cause tuberculosis, send out proteins from their cells, and it aims to find new ways to track these proteins to better understand how the bacteria survive and cause illness, which could help in developing new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $238,787 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190690-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of tuberculosis infection or those with disseminated tuberculosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-mycobacterial infections or those not affected by tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which mycobacteria, including those causing tuberculosis, secrete proteins through their cell wall. The team aims to develop innovative methods to track these proteins and understand their export hierarchy within the cell. By utilizing advanced techniques such as protein tagging and photocrosslinking, the researchers hope to clarify the role of the ESX-1 secretion system in mycobacterial virulence. This work could lead to new insights into how these pathogens survive and thrive, potentially informing future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective vaccines or therapies for tuberculosis and related diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar innovative approaches to study protein secretion in mycobacteria, indicating potential for success in this project.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seeliger, Jessica Chuang — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Seeliger, Jessica Chuang
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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.