Understanding how tuberculosis bacteria survive and spread

Interrogating complex mycobacterial population structures using single-cell RNA sequencing

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11095979

This study is looking at how tuberculosis bacteria act on their own to find out which ones can survive antibiotics, with the hope of discovering ways to make treatment faster and stop the spread of the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11095979 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex behaviors of tuberculosis (TB) bacteria at a single-cell level using advanced RNA sequencing techniques. By analyzing the genetic activity of individual TB bacteria, the study aims to identify specific populations that can survive antibiotic treatment and contribute to the spread of the disease. This approach seeks to uncover vulnerabilities in these bacteria that could lead to shorter treatment durations and reduced transmission rates. The research is particularly focused on understanding how these bacteria behave in the presence of antibiotics and during aerosol transmission.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis who are undergoing treatment or have been exposed to the disease.

Not a fit: Patients with non-tuberculosis infections or those who have not been diagnosed with TB may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for tuberculosis, potentially reducing the duration of therapy and the risk of transmission.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using single-cell sequencing techniques to study bacterial populations, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into tuberculosis.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.