Understanding Fungal Drug Resistance in Cryptococcosis
Role of phospholipids in antifungal drug resistance in Cryptococcus neoformans
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11131034
This project aims to find new ways to fight serious fungal infections, especially for people living with HIV/AIDS, by understanding why current medicines sometimes stop working.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11131034 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Cryptococcosis is a dangerous fungal infection, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems like those with HIV/AIDS, and current treatments are often toxic or don't fully clear the infection, leading to drug resistance. Our team discovered that a specific enzyme, called lipid flippase, plays a key role in how these fungi resist important antifungal drugs. We believe that by understanding how this enzyme works, we can develop new and more effective medicines. This work involves studying the fungus in detail to uncover its weaknesses and find new targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who suffer from cryptococcosis, particularly those with HIV/AIDS who are at higher risk for severe and drug-resistant infections, could eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have cryptococcosis or whose infections are effectively managed by existing treatments may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new, more effective, and less toxic treatments for cryptococcosis, especially for patients who currently face limited options due to drug resistance.
How similar studies have performed: This research explores a novel drug target, lipid flippase, for which its role in echinocandin resistance in Cryptococcus species is a new discovery.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XUE, CHAOYANG — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: XUE, CHAOYANG
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, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome