Identifying genes that make Coccidioides harmful
Virulence gene discovery in Coccidioides
This study is looking into the genes that make the Coccidioides fungus, which causes a serious lung infection, harmful to people, with the hope of finding new ways to treat those who get sick from it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004139 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on discovering the genes responsible for the virulence of the Coccidioides fungus, which causes coccidioidomycosis, a serious lung infection. By using advanced tools and techniques, the team aims to understand how this fungus transitions from a harmless soil organism to a disease-causing agent in humans. The findings could lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets, ultimately accelerating the development of effective treatments for those affected by this infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in endemic areas who have been diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis or are at high risk of infection.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in endemic regions or who have not been diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for coccidioidomycosis, improving outcomes for patients suffering from this infection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying virulence factors in other pathogens, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for Coccidioides as well.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sil, Anita — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sil, Anita
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.