How Candida albicans affects gut clearance
Gut clearance regulation and its subversion by Candida albicans
This study is looking at how the fungus Candida albicans affects the gut's ability to fight off infections, especially in seriously ill patients, and aims to find ways to better prevent these infections by understanding how the gut's defenses work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Valparaiso University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Valparaiso, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10874261 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the fungus Candida albicans disrupts the gut's ability to clear pathogens, particularly during critical illness. It focuses on understanding how chloride-driven fluid secretion, a key defense mechanism, is regulated and how C. albicans can manipulate this process to its advantage. The study aims to define the role of specific proteins and signals in this regulation, which could lead to new insights into preventing invasive candidiasis that often starts in the gut. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve our understanding of fungal infections and their impact on patient health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include critically ill patients who are at risk for invasive candidiasis due to compromised gut clearance.
Not a fit: Patients with non-fungal infections or those not experiencing critical illness may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating invasive candidiasis, potentially reducing hospitalizations and healthcare costs associated with fungal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding fungal infections and their mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Valparaiso, United States
- Valparaiso University — Valparaiso, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bouyer, Patrice Guy — Valparaiso University
- Study coordinator: Bouyer, Patrice Guy
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.