Investigating how Candida albicans changes its form and affects infections
Official title: Candida albicans phenotypic switching: Transcriptional regulation and virulence attributes
Funded at University of California, Merced · NIH-10974826 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common fungus called Candida albicans changes its form and behavior, which can affect how serious infections are, with the goal of finding better ways to treat these infections in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, Merced NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Merced, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $449,048 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI185747-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974826 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk for or currently suffering from Candida infections, especially in hospital settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections caused by organisms other than Candida albicans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Candida albicans, a fungus responsible for serious infections in hospitals. It examines how this organism can switch between different cell types, specifically the 'white' and 'opaque' forms, which have distinct abilities to cause disease. By understanding the genetic and environmental factors that regulate this switching, the research aims to uncover new insights into how these changes impact infection severity and treatment outcomes. Patients may benefit from improved strategies to combat infections caused by this adaptable fungus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatments for fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida albicans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the genetic mechanisms of fungal pathogens can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, Merced
Merced, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hernday, Aaron D — University of California, Merced
- Study coordinator: Hernday, Aaron D
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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.