Extra chromosome copies in Candida that drive antifungal resistance
Aneuploidy and Acquired Antifungal Drug Resistance in Candida species
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11225028
This research looks at how Candida fungi gain extra copies of chromosomes to survive common antifungal drugs, with the aim of helping people who get serious Candida infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11225028 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, this work studies Candida species (including C. albicans and C. auris) taken from infections and lab experiments to see how their DNA changes when exposed to antifungal drugs. The team uses high-throughput single-cell and population-level lab methods to track large chromosome copy number increases and how quickly they appear. They link these chromosome changes to antifungal tolerance and the later emergence of full drug resistance. The goal is to understand the biological steps that allow these fungi to survive treatment so better tests or ways to stop resistance can be developed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Candida infections (for example C. albicans or C. auris) who can provide clinical fungal samples or whose healthcare teams can share isolates for lab study are the best candidates to contribute.
Not a fit: People without fungal infections or those seeking immediate changes to their personal treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could enable new tests or strategies to detect and prevent antifungal resistance, improving treatment success for people with invasive Candida infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and clinical-isolate studies have found links between aneuploidy and antifungal resistance, but measuring the rate and single-cell dynamics of these chromosome changes is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SELMECKI, ANNA M. — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: SELMECKI, ANNA M.
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.