How a fungal RNA helps Aspergillus fumigatus survive antifungal treatment
Functional roles of ncRNA afu-182 in azole response and pathobiology of Aspergillus fumigatus
Researchers will find out whether a fungal RNA called afu-182 helps Aspergillus fumigatus tolerate common antifungal medicines in people with invasive lung infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118966 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a fungal molecule named afu-182 that may allow Aspergillus fumigatus to survive antifungal drugs. Scientists will use genetic and genomic lab techniques to map the pathways controlled by afu-182 and how it changes drug response. They will also study afu-182 activity in a mouse model of invasive lung infection to see how it behaves during antifungal treatment. The work aims to explain why some infections fail therapy even when the fungus is not classically drug-resistant.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis or those at high risk for it—especially patients treated with azole antifungals or experiencing poor responses—are most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without fungal lung infections or those infected with unrelated pathogens are unlikely to see direct benefits from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better tests or treatment approaches that reduce antifungal treatment failures and improve outcomes for patients with invasive aspergillosis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have identified genetic mechanisms of azole resistance, but targeting a fungal long non-coding RNA like afu-182 is a novel approach with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Clemson, United States
- Clemson University — Clemson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dhingra, Sourabh — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Dhingra, Sourabh
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.