Understanding how a fungal pathogen senses its environment
Official title: Exploiting a high-precision phenotypic map to illuminate environmental sensing by a fungal meningitis pathogen
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11029995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes in a fungus that causes meningitis work, so we can find better ways to treat the infection and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $616,588 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI187603-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research are individuals diagnosed with fungal meningitis or those at high risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal related meningitis or other unrelated conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic functions of a fungal pathogen known as Cryptococcus neoformans, which is a leading cause of fungal meningitis. By creating a comprehensive collection of gene deletion strains, the researchers aim to identify how these genes interact and respond to various environmental challenges, including drug treatments. The study employs advanced techniques to quantify the effects of these gene deletions, providing insights into potential new drug targets and improving our understanding of the pathogen's biology. Patients with fungal meningitis may benefit from the findings that could lead to more effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antifungal therapies for treating fungal meningitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding gene functions in model organisms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for fungal pathogens as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Madhani, Hiten D — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Madhani, Hiten D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized Immunomodulatory Therapy for HIV-related Cryptococcal Meningitis
A patient-focused study investigates a personalized treatment approach to improve outcomes for people with HIV who develop cryptococcal meningitis.
-
Improving Diagnostics and Neurocognitive Outcomes in HIV/AIDS-related Meningitis
A study in Uganda aims to use faster, better tests and a new antifungal to help people with HIV who develop meningitis.
-
TB meningitis diagnostic test compare and cost study in sub-Saharan Africa
Researchers are testing a new CSF urine-based test (SILVAMP TB LAM) to improve diagnosis of TB meningitis in people with HIV, to help speed treatment and reduce death in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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Minimally Invasive Sampling to Improve HIV-Associated M meningitis Diagnosis in Africa
A research study is testing easier, less invasive ways to diagnose meningitis in people living with HIV, with a focus on making diagnosis faster and more accurate in Africa and the US.
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Understanding brain injury in kids with tuberculous meningitis (iThemba)
A study in children with TB meningitis in South Africa will look at how inflammation and blood-clotting factors relate to brain injury and infarcts.
-
Serological clues to survival in HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis
This grant looks for antibody signals in the blood that could predict who survives cryptococcal meningitis in people with HIV.
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.