Investigating a protein's role in fungal infections and drug resistance
Official title: Cdc14 phosphatase - novel roles in drug resistance, virulence, and the response to cell wall stress in fungal pathogens
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11021099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein in the Candida fungus helps it resist antifungal treatments and cause illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems, with the goal of finding new ways to create better antifungal medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | March 17, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $592,582 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168050-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are immunocompromised and at risk for opportunistic fungal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections who are not immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the Cdc14 protein phosphatase in the fungus Candida albicans contributes to drug resistance and virulence, particularly in immune-compromised individuals. The project aims to identify new molecular targets for antifungal drug development by studying the mechanisms through which Cdc14 affects cell wall integrity and sensitivity to antifungal treatments. By using mouse models, the researchers will explore how reducing Cdc14 activity impacts the fungus's ability to cause disease. This approach could lead to the development of more effective antifungal therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new antifungal treatments that are effective against drug-resistant fungal infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting specific proteins in fungi to combat drug resistance, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hall, Mark C — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Hall, Mark 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.