How Candida albicans uses signaling proteins and gene switches to cause infections
Regulation of Candida albicans Pathogenesis by Protein Kinase and Transcription Factor Networks
This work aims to find the Candida albicans proteins and gene switches that let it move from harmless colonization to damaging oral, vaginal, or bloodstream infections so future treatments can target them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261213 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you get Candida infections, this work looks at the fungal proteins and gene switches that let Candida albicans move from harmless colonization to damaging infections. Researchers will use collections of genetically tagged Candida mutants in infection models to see which strains survive and cause disease, and they will use in vivo RNA sequencing to identify which fungal genes are active during oral infection. They will map how protein kinases (cell signaling proteins) control transcription factors (gene on/off switches) and identify downstream effectors that cause tissue damage and spread. This laboratory and animal-model work at the University of Iowa is intended to point to new drug or diagnostic targets for people with Candida disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or severe Candida infections—such as oropharyngeal (oral) thrush, vulvovaginal candidiasis, or candidemia—would be the most likely to benefit from treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: People with fungal infections not caused by Candida albicans or with unrelated medical conditions would not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal fungal pathways to target with new antifungal drugs or diagnostics to reduce mucosal and bloodstream Candida infections.
How similar studies have performed: Related genetic and transcriptomic approaches have identified Candida virulence factors before, but simultaneously mapping kinase-to-transcription-factor networks during mucosal infection is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krysan, Damian J — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Krysan, Damian J
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.