Investigating the role of skin fungi in health and disease
Official title: Malassezia and Candida auris: skin microbiome dysbiosis and de-regulation of cutaneous homeostasis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10771278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain types of fungi on our skin can impact our health, especially when they get out of balance, and it aims to find new ways to help treat skin conditions and infections that might affect you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $174,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI168672-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10771278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with skin diseases or those at risk for infections related to Malassezia or Candida auris.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have skin conditions or are not at risk for fungal infections may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how certain fungi, specifically Malassezia and Candida auris, affect skin health and disease. It examines the balance of these fungi in the skin microbiome and how disruptions can lead to infections and other health issues. By using advanced genetic techniques, the study aims to understand the interactions between these fungi and the immune system, potentially leading to new insights into skin-related conditions and systemic infections. Patients may benefit from findings that could improve treatment strategies for skin diseases and infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for skin infections and better management of conditions linked to skin microbiome imbalances.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of skin microbiomes in health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heitman, Joseph — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Heitman, Joseph
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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.