How Candida albicans invades the body
C. albicans invasive growth
['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-11228769
This project looks at how the fungus Candida albicans changes shape and uses cell machinery to grow into tissues, which matters for people with mucosal or bloodstream 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-11228769 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a genetic screen to find Candida mutants that are unable to grow invasively and then study those genes to learn how invasion works. They focus on endocytosis steps that organize the fungal cell membrane and on a paxillin-like protein called Pxl1 that may help the fungus sense mechanical stress in host tissues. Experiments combine lab studies in cultures with in vivo models to determine which mechanisms are required for hyphal growth and crossing of epithelial or endothelial barriers. The goal is to understand invasion well enough to point to ways to stop or limit dangerous tissue-invasive infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent mucosal Candida infections, recent or ongoing bloodstream Candida infections, or weakened immune systems that increase risk for invasive candidiasis would be most interested in these findings.
Not a fit: Patients without Candida infections or with infections caused by other organisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or prevention strategies for invasive Candida infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has identified regulators of hyphal growth in lab conditions, but using genetic screens to pinpoint invasion-specific mechanisms in host-like settings is a newer and less-explored approach.
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.