Investigating how a fungal pathogen survives oxidative stress
Official title: Candida albicans Target of Rapamycin in oxidative stress responses
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11063452 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special protein in the Candida albicans fungus that helps it survive attacks from our immune system, and by understanding how it works, we hope to find new ways to treat infections caused by this fungus for patients who need help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | November 22, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $258,990 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI178693-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063452 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would be patients suffering from Candida albicans infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of fungi or non-fungal pathogens may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein in the fungus Candida albicans that helps it survive oxidative stress from the host's immune system. The study examines the Tor1 kinase and its N-terminal HEAT repeats, which are crucial for the fungus's ability to manage oxidative stress. By analyzing how these proteins interact and affect the fungus's stress management systems, the research aims to uncover potential vulnerabilities in Candida albicans that could be targeted for treatment. Patients with infections caused by this fungus may benefit from insights gained through this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for infections caused by Candida albicans.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting specific pathways in fungal pathogens, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koehler, Julia R — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Koehler, Julia R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How vitamin B12 helps the gum-disease bacterium survive
Learning how vitamin B12 helps the bacteria that cause gum disease survive and become more harmful for people with periodontitis.
-
Pancreatic beta cells, oxidative stress, and gestational diabetes
A study is exploring how oxidative stress and changes in pancreatic beta cells during pregnancy may contribute to gestational diabetes and future diabetes risk for both mother and baby.
-
Environmental air pollutants linked to preeclampsia risk in pregnancy
This study looks at whether common air pollutants called PAHs increase the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy.
-
Oxidative stress and Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in eye lens aging
This grant looks at how aging and oxidative stress drive inflammation in the eye lens, which could help prevent age-related eye diseases.
-
Glyphosate exposure and young adults' metabolic health
A study will look at how glyphosate exposure relates to metabolism and liver health in young adults, using urine measurements and health data.
-
Protein translation control in heart failure under oxidative stress
This project looks at how heart cells manage oxidative stress and how a protein called Nrf2 is produced, which could reveal new ways to help people with heart failure.
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.