Understanding how a fungus changes its growth in response to body temperature
Official title: Characterization of Histoplasma transcription factors using improved episomal DNA maintenance and controllable gene expression tools
Funded at J. Craig Venter Institute, INC. · NIH-10992145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how a fungus that can cause lung infections changes its form when it gets warm like the human body, and by understanding this process better, researchers hope to find new ways to help treat infections for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | J. Craig Venter Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | November 28, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $94,575 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI176361-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at risk of or currently suffering from pulmonary infections caused by Histoplasma capsulatum.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections caused by other pathogens, such as Candida or Aspergillus, may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which can cause serious lung infections, alters its growth form when exposed to human body temperature. The study focuses on specific transcription factors that control this transformation from a mold to a yeast form, which is crucial for its ability to infect humans. By using advanced genetic tools, researchers aim to better understand the mechanisms behind this process, which could lead to new treatment strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how this pathogen behaves and how to combat infections it causes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for fungal infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding fungal pathogens through similar genetic approaches, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
J. Craig Venter Institute, INC.
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beyhan, Sinem — J. Craig Venter Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Beyhan, Sinem
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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.