Understanding how specific mutations in tuberculosis bacteria lead to resistance against bedaquiline.
Official title: Comprehensive characterization of Rv0678 bedaquiline resistance-conferring polymorphisms
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11088912 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in the tuberculosis bacteria can make it resistant to a key antibiotic called bedaquiline, which is important for treating tough cases of tuberculosis, and the goal is to find better ways to test for these changes so that patients can get the most effective treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | May 14, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $246,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180963-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088912 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rifampin-resistant tuberculosis who may benefit from targeted treatment strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tuberculosis that is not resistant to rifampin or those who do not have access to bedaquiline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic mutations in tuberculosis bacteria that cause resistance to the antibiotic bedaquiline, which is crucial for treating rifampin-resistant tuberculosis. By creating a library of bacterial clones with specific genetic changes, the researchers will screen these clones to identify which mutations confer resistance. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the understanding of how these mutations affect treatment outcomes, ultimately leading to the development of better diagnostic tests that can guide effective treatment decisions for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tests that help tailor tuberculosis treatments more effectively, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding antibiotic resistance through genetic analysis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Metcalfe, John Zapata — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Metcalfe, John Zapata
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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.