Understanding how RNA regulates gene expression in tuberculosis bacteria
Official title: RNA regulation associated with mcr11-abmR locus in M. tuberculosis
Funded at Wadsworth Center · NIH-10884585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria changes its behavior during infection, focusing on certain molecules that help control its genes, with the hope that understanding these changes can lead to better treatments for people with tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wadsworth Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Menands, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $565,149 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI168356-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis or those at high risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis bacterial infections or those without any bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, changes its gene expression to adapt during infection. The focus is on RNA molecules that play a role in regulating these genes, particularly the Mcr11 RNA and the AbmR protein. By exploring how these components interact and influence gene expression, the research aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that could lead to new treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how Mtb survives and thrives in the human body, potentially leading to improved therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating tuberculosis by targeting RNA-based regulatory mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of RNA in bacterial gene regulation is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promise in understanding bacterial adaptation and could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Wadsworth Center
Menands, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonough, Kathleen a — Wadsworth Center
- Study coordinator: Mcdonough, Kathleen a
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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.