How Candida albicans changes shape and becomes harmful
Systematic Analysis of Morphogenesis, Commensalism, and Virulence in a Leading Human Fungal Pathogen
This project looks at how the common fungus Candida albicans changes and becomes harmful so scientists can find new targets for safer antifungal treatments for people with serious fungal infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toronto NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145747 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are using a large library of genetically engineered Candida strains where single genes can be turned down to see which genes let the fungus change shape, live harmlessly, or cause disease. They run many strains together in pooled experiments and use DNA sequencing to count which strains grow or fail under different conditions. The team links genes to traits like morphogenesis, commensal behavior, and virulence to point to vulnerabilities in the fungus. Findings will help prioritize targets for the next steps toward new antifungal drugs or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or are at high risk for serious Candida infections (for example bloodstream infections or recurrent invasive disease) would be the most likely to benefit from future treatments that come from this work.
Not a fit: People with unrelated infections or only mild, superficial fungal infections are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets that lead to safer, more effective treatments for invasive Candida infections.
How similar studies have performed: Related genomic screens have identified fungal genes linked to virulence before, but turning those discoveries into approved antifungal drugs remains difficult and uncommon so far.
Where this research is happening
Toronto, Canada
- University of Toronto — Toronto, Canada (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cowen, Leah Elizabeth — University of Toronto
- Study coordinator: Cowen, Leah Elizabeth
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.