How Cryptococcus fungi gain heat tolerance and drug resistance
Evolution of heat tolerance and drug resistance in Cryptococcus
Researchers will learn how environmental Cryptococcus fungi adapt to higher temperatures and antifungal drugs so future infections can be prevented or treated better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167748 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I'm worried about fungal infections, this project looks for the genes that help Cryptococcus grow at body temperature and survive common antifungal drugs by testing many fungal strains in the lab. The team will use large-scale genetic screens (TN-seq) across different Cryptococcus species to find which genes matter for heat tolerance and azole resistance. They will compare both disease-causing and non-disease strains to see how environmental changes, like warming climates, might favor more dangerous types. Findings aim to point to markers to watch for in the environment and targets for better treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at risk for cryptococcal infection—especially individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS or other immune suppression—are most relevant to the goals of this research and to future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients without risk factors for cryptococcal disease or with unrelated conditions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could help predict and prevent emergence of more heat-tolerant or drug-resistant Cryptococcus and guide new treatment or surveillance strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic screening approaches have previously identified resistance genes in fungi, but applying genome-wide screens across many Cryptococcus species to link heat tolerance and drug resistance is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Billmyre, Robert Blake — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Billmyre, Robert Blake
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.