Exploring how bacteria and fungi interact in human infections
Official title: Uncovering the evolutionary history of bacterial endosymbiosis in opportunistic fungal pathogens of humans
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-11114026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain fungi and their bacteria friends work together and change over time, which helps the fungi infect people, especially those with weakened immune systems; understanding this could help find better treatments for a serious infection called mucormycosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $148,002 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180695-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114026 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems who are at risk for mucormycosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems or those not at risk for fungal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the evolutionary relationship between certain fungi and their bacterial partners, focusing on how these interactions affect the fungi's ability to infect humans. By studying the genetic and epigenetic changes that occur during these symbiotic relationships, researchers aim to understand how these fungi adapt to human hosts and how the bacteria influence their virulence. The findings could lead to new treatment strategies for mucormycosis, a serious infection that often affects individuals with weakened immune systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies for treating mucormycosis, potentially improving outcomes for patients with this severe infection.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying bacterial-fungal symbiosis in this context is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding microbial interactions and their implications for human health.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pawlowska, Teresa E — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Pawlowska, Teresa E
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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.