Cdc14, a fungal protein linked to treatment resistance and infection severity
Cdc14 phosphatase - novel roles in drug resistance, virulence, and the response to cell wall stress in fungal pathogens
['FUNDING_R01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11325299
This project looks at how a fungal protein called Cdc14 makes Candida infections harder to treat so future medicines could better help people with serious fungal infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11325299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one faces a serious Candida infection, researchers will study the fungal protein Cdc14 to see how it affects the fungus’s cell wall, growth form, and resistance to current drugs. The team will use lab-grown Candida strains and mouse infection models to change Cdc14 activity and observe effects on drug sensitivity and virulence. They will map the enzyme’s biochemical behavior and search for ways to block it with molecules that target fungi but not humans. Findings aim to point toward new drug targets for drug-resistant Candida like C. auris and C. glabrata.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit are those with invasive or drug-resistant Candida infections, especially immunocompromised patients or those who have failed standard antifungal treatments.
Not a fit: People with non-fungal illnesses or only mild, superficial fungal infections are unlikely to see direct benefit from this preclinical research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable development of new antifungal drugs that overcome resistance and reduce severe invasive infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and mouse studies show reducing Cdc14 weakens fungal virulence, but turning that into a human treatment would be a new and unproven step.
Where this research is happening
WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY — WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HALL, MARK C — PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HALL, MARK 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.