Investigating the effects of fungal mutations in animal models
Animal models and fungal mutants
This study is looking at how certain changes in Coccidioides fungi affect their ability to grow and make people sick, using mice to help find better ways to treat infections caused by these fungi.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004663 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific mutations in the Coccidioides fungi affect their growth and virulence using animal models. Researchers will conduct experiments in a specialized biosafety level 3 facility to safely study these pathogens and their interactions with the immune system. By testing these fungal mutants in mice, the study aims to uncover new insights into how these fungi cause disease and identify potential new therapeutic targets. The findings could lead to improved treatments for infections caused by these fungi.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of or have been diagnosed with infections caused by Coccidioides species.
Not a fit: Patients with infections caused by other pathogens unrelated to Coccidioides may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapies for infections caused by Coccidioides fungi.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in using animal models to study fungal infections, indicating that this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fierer, Joshua — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Fierer, Joshua
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 below.