Understanding how Mycobacterium tuberculosis resists antibiotics
Official title: Bacterial and Molecular Determinants of Mycobacterial Impermeability
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10898003 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why the bacteria that causes tuberculosis is resistant to antibiotics, focusing on its tough outer layer that makes it hard for medicines to work, with the goal of finding better ways to treat the infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $716,926 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179080-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898003 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis who may benefit from improved antibiotic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis bacterial infections are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind the antibiotic resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. It focuses on the unique structure of the bacteria's cell envelope, which makes it difficult for antibiotics to penetrate and effectively treat infections. The researchers will use advanced methods to identify the specific bacterial and molecular factors that contribute to this impermeability, aiming to improve our understanding of how to overcome this barrier. By analyzing the genes and compounds involved, the study seeks to pave the way for more effective treatments against tuberculosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics against tuberculosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding bacterial resistance mechanisms, but this specific approach to studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pires, Marcos M. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Pires, Marcos M.
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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.