Dr. Michael Barry Reed has spent almost a quarter of a century studying the biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) at the molecular and genetic levels, both as a post-doc at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and an independent investigator at McGill University.
Given the tremendous global health burden associated with multi- and extensively drug-resistant (MDR, XDR) forms of TB, my laboratory is presently focusing much of our research effort on understanding the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance evolution within M. tuberculosis. Currently funded research aims to define the specific genetic requirements that are necessary for supporting the normal growth and fitness of drug-resistant, as opposed to drug-susceptible, M. tuberculosis. In turn, these “conditionally essential” gene targets will then be examined for their potential as novel “resistance breakers” with the goal of re-sensitizing bacteria that have already acquired resistance towards one or more front-line anti-TB drugs. We also anticipate that blocking these targets with specific chemical inhibitors will prove equally useful in limiting the development of new resistance in antibiotic-sensitive bacteria.
Current Research Project:
Vers le développement de composés «anti-résistance» pour le traitement de la tuberculose.
April 2023 - March 2026 [Projet de recherche en équipe]
The goal for this project is to apply a combined chemical-genetic approach to identify critical weaknesses or vulnerabilities that are inherent to antibiotic-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In turn, this work will hopefully pave the way for the future development of novel “resistance-breaking” or “resistance-reversing” compounds that target the pathways that are necessary to support the evolution and maintenance of resistance. Overall, this program of fundamental, discovery-based research affords a critically needed opportunity to extend the life and usability of the currently available first-line drugs that have, in many cases, been rendered practically useless in the face of drug-resistant forms of TB.
Email: michael.reed [at] mcgill.ca
