How Candida albicans survives and spreads in the gut
C. albicans-intrinsic mechanisms defining gut colonization
The team compares how Candida albicans behaves in guts with high versus low bacterial levels and how a fungal toxin helps it persist or move from the gut to cause infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11333376 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are concerned about Candida in the gut, this project looks at how the fungus lives when normal bacteria are present or after antibiotic treatment. Researchers use lab and animal gut models to compare fungal forms (yeast versus filaments) and measure which traits let Candida stick around or cross out of the gut. They focus on a fungal toxin called Candidalysin to see whether it helps the fungus survive in guts with many bacteria. The work aims to explain when gut Candida is harmless and when it could lead to more serious infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at higher risk for gut Candida overgrowth or infection—for example those taking antibiotics, people with weakened immune systems, or those with recurrent Candida infections—are the most relevant group.
Not a fit: Individuals without Candida colonization or with unrelated gut conditions and no antibiotic exposure are unlikely to get direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help predict who is at risk for Candida spreading from the gut and lead to new ways to prevent or treat these infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal work has shown fungal form and toxins influence colonization, but testing the role of Candidalysin in non-antibiotic, high-bacteria gut conditions is a newer finding.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bennett, Richard John — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Bennett, Richard John
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.