Understanding how a common fungus causes severe infections
Evolution of Aspergillus fumigatus virulence
This project aims to understand how communities of a fungus called Aspergillus fumigatus grow and cause serious infections, hoping to find better ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124253 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When Aspergillus fumigatus causes an infection, its cells can form protective communities called biofilms, which make the infection harder to treat. These biofilms change how severe the disease becomes and how well antifungal medicines work. We are working to uncover the specific ways these fungal biofilms impact disease progression and drug resistance. By learning more about these mechanisms, we hope to develop new and more effective treatments for Aspergillus infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who suffer from serious Aspergillus fumigatus infections, such as aspergillosis or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, could eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without Aspergillus fumigatus infections or those with mild, easily treatable forms of the disease may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for severe fungal infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, especially those resistant to current medications.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon prior successful research by the same team, which has already uncovered new insights into Aspergillus fumigatus biofilm morphology and its impact on disease.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cramer, Robert Andrew — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Cramer, Robert Andrew
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.