Targeting a specific kinase to fight fungal infections
Official title: Targeting the casein kinase 1 (CK1)-like kinase Yck2 in fungal pathogenesis
Funded at University of Toronto · NIH-11049045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Yck2 to see how it affects the growth of tough fungal infections like Candida albicans and Candida auris, especially in people with weakened immune systems, and it hopes to find new medicines that can help fight these infections better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toronto NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | March 22, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $617,457 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI162789-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, or people living with HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections that are not resistant to current antifungal treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific kinase, Yck2, in the growth and virulence of fungal pathogens, particularly focusing on drug-resistant strains like Candida albicans and Candida auris. By screening various kinase inhibitors, the study aims to identify new antifungal compounds that can effectively combat these infections, especially in patients with compromised immune systems. The approach combines chemical genomic techniques and genetic methods to understand how targeting Yck2 can improve treatment outcomes for invasive fungal infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antifungal therapies that are effective against resistant fungal infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting protein kinases for drug development, indicating potential success for this novel approach in antifungal therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toronto
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cowen, Leah Elizabeth — University of Toronto
- Study coordinator: Cowen, Leah Elizabeth
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.