Understanding how a fungus survives high carbon dioxide levels
Official title: Metabolic determinants of carbon dioxide tolerance in the pathogenic fungi, Cryptococcus neoformans
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-10854446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a harmful fungus called Cryptococcus neoformans survives in the body by handling high levels of carbon dioxide, with the goal of finding new ways to treat serious fungal infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $158,433 |
| NIH project number | 1K22AI182327-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854446 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 living with HIV/AIDS or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections that are not caused by Cryptococcus neoformans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms that allow the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans to tolerate high levels of carbon dioxide, which is crucial for its survival in the human body. By examining the metabolic changes that occur under carbon dioxide stress, the researchers aim to identify potential targets for new antifungal therapies. The study employs genetic screening and metabolic profiling to uncover the pathways involved in this tolerance, which could lead to innovative treatment options for invasive fungal infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for life-threatening fungal infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting carbon dioxide tolerance in Cryptococcus is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding fungal virulence and developing antifungal therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jezewski, Andrew James — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Jezewski, Andrew James
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.