Fungal Melanin and Calcium Signals in Lung Cells
Official title: Fungal Melanin Modulation of Calcium-Mediated Responses in Lung Epithelium
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11550562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how a fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus uses its pigment melanin to change calcium signaling in lung cells, which could weaken the body’s initial defenses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $838,677 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI193212-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11550562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for invasive aspergillosis or other Af-related lung infections could benefit from advances inspired by this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus or without airway disease may be less directly affected by these findings.
What this research studies
This project looks at how Af melanin affects calcium signaling and inflammatory responses in human airway epithelial cells. The researchers will use cell-based experiments to see how purified melanin ghosts alter calcium flux, signaling molecule activation, and reactive oxygen species production. The goal is to understand whether fungal melanin dampens early immune signals and helps the fungus invade the lungs. Results could identify new points where therapies might boost mucosal defense against fungal infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to strengthen airway defenses against fungal lung infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests fungal components can modulate epithelial immune responses, but this study provides a deeper look at melanin-specific effects on calcium signaling.
Where this research is happening
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Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vyas, Jatin M — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Vyas, Jatin 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.