Genomic Tools for Understanding Cryptococcus Fungal Infections
Cryptococcus genomic resources
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11089299
This project is building comprehensive genetic tools to better understand *Cryptococcus neoformans*, a fungus that causes deadly meningitis, so we can find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11089299 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Invasive fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis are a serious health challenge, causing many deaths each year. This project is creating detailed genetic maps and tools for the *Cryptococcus neoformans* fungus, similar to resources that have helped advance research in other areas. By understanding the fungus's genes and how they work, scientists can learn what makes it dangerous to humans. This knowledge is crucial for discovering and developing new medications to fight these infections. The team has already created a gene knockout collection and made it available to the scientific community.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to help individuals affected by or at risk for severe fungal infections, especially cryptococcal meningitis.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by invasive fungal infections, particularly those caused by *Cryptococcus neoformans*, would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of more effective diagnostic tests and life-saving treatments for cryptococcal meningitis and other invasive fungal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Similar genome-wide resources in other model organisms have significantly accelerated research progress, suggesting this approach holds great promise for pathogenic fungi.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MADHANI, HITEN D — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: MADHANI, HITEN D
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.
Conditions: Animal Disease Models