Genome-wide CRISPR screen in Candida albicans to study antifungal resistance
Official title: A Genome-Wide CRISPR Screening Platform in Diploid Candida Albicans to Uncover Mechanisms of Antifungal Resistance
Funded at University of Tennessee Knoxville · NIH-11355089 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team will test how genes in Candida albicans affect resistance to antifungal drugs, with the aim of finding vulnerabilities that could guide better treatments for people with tough fungal infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project start | August 19, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $230,313 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI199008-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355089 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with invasive or systemic Candida infections who may benefit from improved antifungal therapies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or patients without fungal infections are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project uses CRISPR editing to create a wide array of gene knockouts in Candida albicans, including approaches that work in its challenging polyploid genome. By mapping which genes influence drug resistance, researchers hope to reveal targets for new therapies. The work is designed to be high-throughput and genome-wide, pushing beyond current methods to cover more genes and interactions. If successful, it could point to strategies to overcome resistance and reduce mortality from serious fungal infections. The research is conducted in a university setting and may inform future clinical approaches to antifungal care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to new treatment strategies that help patients with drug-resistant Candida infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genome-wide approaches in fungi have identified key resistance genes, but the Candida albicans genome presents unique challenges that this project aims to overcome.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Knoxville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trinh, Cong T — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Trinh, Cong T
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.