NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating how protein kinases affect antifungal drug resistance in Candida glabrata

Official title: Functional and transcriptome analyses of protein kinases in Candida glabrata antifungal drug resistance

Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10986728 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain proteins in the fungus Candida glabrata help it resist antifungal medicines, and by creating different versions of this fungus, the researchers hope to find new ways to make these treatments work better for people with infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$217,500
NIH project number7R21AI175595-02
Project IDNIH-10986728 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from infections caused by Candida glabrata, particularly those who have experienced treatment failures with existing antifungal medications.

Less likely to help

Patients with infections caused by other types of fungi or those who do not have drug-resistant strains of Candida glabrata may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of protein kinases in the antifungal drug resistance of the fungus Candida glabrata. The team will create a library of mutant strains of this fungus that lack specific protein kinases and will systematically test these mutants to see how they respond to various antifungal treatments. By analyzing the regulation networks and functions of these kinases, the researchers aim to uncover new targets for antifungal drug development, potentially leading to more effective treatments for infections caused by this pathogen.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antifungal therapies that are more effective against drug-resistant strains of Candida glabrata.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting protein kinases to combat drug resistance in other pathogens, indicating that this approach may be promising.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
    Oklahoma City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Vu, Bao Gia — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Vu, Bao Gia

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.