Understanding how tuberculosis bacteria use fats from the host to survive
Characterization of the nutrient assimilation pathways in M. tuberculosis
This study is looking at how the tuberculosis bacteria use fats from the body to help them survive and cause illness, with the hope of finding new ways to treat tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10974483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the tuberculosis bacteria, M. tuberculosis, utilize fats derived from the host to enhance their survival and promote disease. The study employs genetic and biochemical techniques to identify specific proteins and pathways involved in the import and metabolism of these fats. By understanding these processes, researchers aim to uncover how the bacteria manipulate host lipids to evade the immune response and sustain their pathogenicity. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating tuberculosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis, particularly those with disseminated forms of the disease.
Not a fit: Patients with non-tuberculosis infections or those who do not have a history of tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments that target the metabolic pathways of tuberculosis, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in targeting bacterial metabolism for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vanderven, Brian C — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Vanderven, Brian C
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.