Exploring new antifungal treatments for Mucormycosis
Official title: A novel link between calcineurin, amino acid permease, and protein kinase A in virulence in Mucor
Funded at Texas Tech University Health Scis Center · NIH-11050571 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called calcineurin helps certain fungi grow and cause a serious infection called mucormycosis, with the goal of finding new ways to treat this infection for patients who need better options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Scis Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $558,747 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI182221-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050571 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised individuals at risk of developing mucormycosis or those currently suffering from this infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mucormycosis caused by non-Mucorales fungi or those who are not immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of calcineurin, a protein involved in fungal growth, in the virulence of Mucorales fungi, which cause the life-threatening infection known as mucormycosis. The study aims to identify specific fungal pathways that can be targeted to develop new antifungal drugs, especially given the high levels of resistance seen in current treatments. By understanding how mutations in amino acid permease genes contribute to this resistance, the research seeks to create effective therapies for patients suffering from this severe infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antifungal medications that are effective against resistant strains of Mucorales, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting calcineurin in fungi is known, the specific focus on Mucorales and the development of novel antifungal strategies is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Soo Chan — Texas Tech University Health Scis Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Soo Chan
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.