New molecular tools to understand Pneumocystis pneumonia
Development of a Molecular Toolbox for Pneumocystis
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · NIH-11232292
Researchers are testing gene-editing and plasmid delivery methods to introduce genetic changes into Pneumocystis so we can learn how it causes pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11232292 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project aims to create ways to change the genes of Pneumocystis, a fungus that causes pneumonia in immunocompromised patients, by using CRISPR/Cas9 and plasmid-based approaches. Because Pneumocystis cannot be grown outside the lung, the team will use rodent Pneumocystis species and deliver editing tools via extracellular vesicles taken up by the organism. As a proof of concept, they will introduce mutations that cause resistance to sulfa drugs and look for organism growth in immunosuppressed mice treated with those drugs. If transformed organisms survive drug treatment, that will show the methods worked and open the door to testing gene functions relevant to infection and treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most directly connected to this work would be immunocompromised individuals at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia, such as people with HIV/AIDS or those on strong immunosuppressive medications.
Not a fit: People without weakened immune systems or those with lung infections caused by other organisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-focused research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable studies that identify how Pneumocystis causes disease and lead to better diagnostics or new treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Gene-editing methods like CRISPR have succeeded in related fungi and culturable organisms, but applying these techniques to non-culturable Pneumocystis is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI — CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SMULIAN, ALAN GEORGE — UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
- Study coordinator: SMULIAN, ALAN GEORGE
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus