How Candida albicans' cell surface helps it survive and cause infections
Plasma membrane promotes stress resistance and virulence of Candida albicans
['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-11317001
Researchers are finding how Candida albicans' cell surface protects it from the immune system and antifungal drugs to help people with serious yeast infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11317001 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research looks at Candida albicans cells in the lab to learn how their cell surface (the plasma membrane) helps them resist stress from the immune system and from antifungal drugs. Scientists will study membrane lipids and how membranes handle oxidative damage, using fungal cultures and model systems that relate to human infection. The team aims to identify membrane features that let Candida survive in the bloodstream and spread to organs. Although mostly lab-based, the results could point to new ways to make existing drugs work better or to develop new antifungal treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have invasive bloodstream Candida infections or frequent/recurrent Candida infections would be the most likely to benefit from advances produced by this work, even though the project itself is laboratory-focused rather than a clinical trial.
Not a fit: People without Candida infections or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new or improved antifungal treatments that make Candida infections easier to clear and less likely to be fatal.
How similar studies have performed: Some existing antifungals already target fungal membranes (for example amphotericin and azoles) and can be effective, but resistance and treatment gaps remain, so this work builds on established approaches while exploring new membrane-based targets.
Where this research is happening
STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES
- STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK — STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KONOPKA, JAMES B — STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK
- Study coordinator: KONOPKA, JAMES B
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.