How Cryptococcus fungus changes protein production when stressed
Stress Responsive Reprogramming of Translating mRNA Pools in C. neoformans
Researchers will learn how the Cryptococcus fungus shifts which proteins it makes during fever and immune attack, which matters for people living with HIV/AIDS who get cryptococcal infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11372780 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers examine how the cryptococcal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans reprograms which mRNAs are translated when it faces host-like stresses such as increased temperature and oxidative attack. They will compare laboratory strains and clinical isolates from people with AIDS in Africa using molecular methods that measure which mRNAs enter the translating pool and which are removed by mRNA decay. The team will map control by the Gcn4 transcription factor and the Gcn2 kinase to identify stress-response targets. Findings aim to reveal mechanisms the fungus uses to survive in the human host and point to possible weaknesses for new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults living with HIV/AIDS who have confirmed cryptococcal infection and are willing to donate clinical samples at collaborating clinics, especially in Africa.
Not a fit: People without cryptococcal infection or whose illness is caused by other pathogens are unlikely to benefit directly, and this basic lab research is not a treatment trial so immediate clinical benefit is unlikely.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to weaken Cryptococcus and lead to better treatments or prevention for cryptococcal disease in people with HIV/AIDS.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies in baker's yeast and other fungi have shown that Gcn2/Gcn4 pathways control stress responses, but applying these findings to Cryptococcus neoformans and clinical isolates is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Panepinto, John C — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Panepinto, John C
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.