Understanding Phage Satellites in Mycobacteria
Official title: Functional Characterization of Novel Phage Satellites in Mycobacteria
Funded at College of William and Mary · NIH-11444870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will explore how tiny genetic elements called phage satellites interact with helper phages in Mycobacteria to better understand bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | College of William and Mary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Williamsburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $571,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM166965-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with mycobacterial infections or those at risk of such infections, particularly where phage therapies are being explored.
✕Less likely to help
People not involved in or affected by Mycobacterium infections are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at phage satellites in Mycobacteria, which rely on helper phages to reproduce and may change how bacteria respond to infections. Researchers will characterize a newly discovered satellite system in Mycobacterium species and map how it affects the activity of helper prophages and bacterial behavior. The work combines lab assays, bioinformatics, and analyses of gene interactions to reveal how these satellites influence virulence, immunity, and microbial evolution. Findings could open new avenues for biotechnology and approaches to phage therapy targeting bacterial infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could guide development of novel anti-bacterial strategies and phage therapies by leveraging satellite–phage dynamics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has started to uncover phage satellite roles in other bacteria, with this project pioneering discovery in the Mycobacterium genus.
Where this research is happening
-
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saha, Margaret S — College of William and Mary
- Study coordinator: Saha, Margaret S
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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.