How Cryptococcus neoformans adapts to stresses from the human body
Coordinated responses to host-derived stresses in C. neoformans
This project looks at how the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans changes inside the body to help guide better treatments for people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262300 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are examining how Cryptococcus neoformans senses and responds to stresses it encounters in the human body, such as changes in acidity. They focus on a fungus-specific signaling route called the Rim pathway and use laboratory techniques including genetic manipulation, RNA profiling (transcriptomics), and protein analysis (proteomics). The goal is to map the cellular events that let the fungus survive in people with weakened immune systems, like those with AIDS or organ transplants. This work is conducted in fungal cultures and laboratory samples rather than by treating patients directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; it is laboratory research on the fungal pathogen rather than a clinical trial open to participants.
Not a fit: People currently facing an active cryptococcal infection are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal fungus-specific weaknesses that lead to safer, more targeted antifungal therapies for people with weakened immune systems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have characterized related fungal pathways and suggested possible drug targets, but converting those findings into new treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alspaugh, Andrew — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Alspaugh, Andrew
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.