How the Cryptococcus fungus makes proteins
Ribosome Heterogeneity in Cryptococcus neoformans
This project looks for fungus-specific parts of the protein-making machinery in Cryptococcus neoformans to help develop new antifungal medicines for people 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-11163489 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers study the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus to find parts of its ribosome that differ from human cells. They use genetic deletions of fungal factors called AFG1 and AFE1 and observe how the fungus adapts to stresses like low oxygen. A new proteomics pipeline called RiboPROT is used to identify proteins that associate with active ribosomes, and the team will map the mRNAs those factors bind under host-like conditions. The work aims to reveal fungal-specific targets that could be turned into drugs that do not harm human cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit are patients who have or are at high risk for cryptococcal infection, such as immunocompromised individuals and transplant recipients.
Not a fit: People without fungal infections or those with infections caused by unrelated organisms may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets to create safer, more effective antifungals for people with cryptococcal infections.
How similar studies have performed: While antibiotics that target bacterial ribosomes are well established, specifically targeting the fungal ribosome core is a novel approach and largely untested.
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.