Understanding how mycobacteria secrete proteins through their cell wall

Tracking the hierarchical secretion of ESX-1 substrates through the mycobacterial cell envelope

NIH-funded research State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11119071

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stony Brook, United States)
Project IDNIH-11119071 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of tuberculosis infection or those with disseminated tuberculosis.

Not a fit: Patients with non-mycobacterial infections or those not affected by tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Stony Brook, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.