Understanding how tuberculosis bacteria communicate
Exploration of quorum sensing in tuberculosis
['FUNDING_R21'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · NIH-10628011
This study is looking at how the bacteria that cause tuberculosis talk to each other and how we can use this information to find new ways to fight the disease, making it easier for doctors to help patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10628011 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how tuberculosis-causing bacteria, specifically Mycobacterium, communicate with each other through a process called quorum sensing. By exploring the signaling molecules that these bacteria use to coordinate their behavior, the study aims to identify new ways to combat tuberculosis. The researchers are developing a novel sensor system based on a closely related bacterium, Streptomyces, to detect these signaling molecules. This approach could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating tuberculosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis or those at high risk of developing the disease.
Not a fit: Patients with non-tuberculosis related infections or conditions will likely not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating tuberculosis by targeting bacterial communication.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using quorum sensing in mycobacteria is relatively novel, similar methods have shown promise in other bacterial studies.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CIRILLO, JEFFREY D. — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- Study coordinator: CIRILLO, JEFFREY D.
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 below.
Conditions: Communicable Diseases, Infectious Disease Pathway, Infectious Diseases, Infectious Disorder