Understanding the role of a specific lipid in tuberculosis bacteria
Official title: The PDIM paradox of M. tuberculosis
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11014425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special part of the tuberculosis bacteria that helps it survive against treatments and the immune system, with the goal of finding better ways to test and treat tuberculosis so that patients can have more effective options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $501,801 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175972-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis or those at high risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis related infections or conditions will likely not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex cell wall structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), focusing on a lipid called phthiocerol dimycocerosate (PDIM) that plays a crucial role in the bacteria's ability to resist antibiotics and evade the immune system. The study aims to develop new screening and selection tools to better understand how PDIM affects the bacteria's virulence and drug tolerance. By examining the paradox of PDIM's dispensability in laboratory settings, the research seeks to improve the reliability of tuberculosis experiments and drug susceptibility testing. Patients may benefit from advancements in tuberculosis treatment strategies that arise from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for tuberculosis, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with this disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding bacterial cell wall components can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berney, Michael — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Berney, Michael
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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.