Investigating how non-genetic factors contribute to drug resistance in infections
Official title: Understanding and targeting non-genetic mechanisms of drug resistance
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10867271 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in cells help the fungus Candida albicans become resistant to antifungal treatments, with the goal of finding better ways to help patients get the most effective care possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | June 14, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $121,133 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AI169076-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867271 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from drug-resistant infections, particularly those caused by Candida albicans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not drug-resistant or those who do not have infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how non-genetic mechanisms, such as changes in chromatin and protein states, contribute to drug resistance in infections, particularly in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The approach involves advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and CRISPR-based screening to identify how these mechanisms develop and affect treatment outcomes. By exploring these pathways, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of existing antifungal treatments. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options that address drug resistance more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that overcome drug resistance, significantly improving treatment outcomes for patients with infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting genetic mechanisms of drug resistance, but the focus on non-genetic mechanisms is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Jing Lin — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Xie, Jing Lin
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.