How salivary zinc affects the activity of a protein against Candida albicans
Official title: Salivary Zinc modifies Histatin 5 activity towards C. albicans survivor cells and commensalism
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11122330 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how zinc in saliva interacts with a protein that helps keep a common fungus in the mouth, called Candida albicans, in check, and it aims to find ways to improve oral health, especially for people with weakened immune systems.
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 start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE034141-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122330 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are immunocompromised and at risk for oropharyngeal candidiasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are healthy and do not have any risk factors for fungal infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interaction between salivary zinc and Histatin 5, a protein that helps control the growth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth. The study aims to understand how zinc alters the effectiveness of Histatin 5, particularly in promoting the survival of Candida albicans as a harmless part of the oral microbiome. By examining how these changes affect the fungus's ability to adhere to oral tissues and provoke inflammatory responses, the research seeks to uncover new insights into maintaining oral health. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to improved treatments for fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating oral fungal infections in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of salivary proteins in oral health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edgerton, Mira — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Edgerton, Mira
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.