Using glutamine starvation to improve antibiotic effectiveness against tuberculosis
Official title: Glutamine Starvation as a Means to Enhance Antibiotic Efficacy against M. tuberculosis
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11088018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking away a nutrient called glutamine from tuberculosis bacteria can make antibiotics work better, which could help improve treatment for people with tuberculosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $76,756 |
| NIH project number | 5F32AI176649-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with active tuberculosis, particularly those who have experienced treatment failures or relapses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-tuberculosis bacterial infections or those who are not infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how depriving the tuberculosis bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, of glutamine can enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics. The approach focuses on understanding how glutamine starvation affects the bacteria's ability to tolerate antibiotics, especially under immune pressure. By using specific strains of the bacteria that cannot synthesize or import glutamine, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that make the bacteria more susceptible to treatment. This could lead to new strategies for improving tuberculosis therapy and reducing the chances of treatment failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for tuberculosis, potentially reducing relapse rates and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in enhancing antibiotic efficacy through metabolic targeting, suggesting that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, John Tison — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Williams, John Tison
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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.