Understanding how a protein controls antifungal responses in a harmful fungus
Official title: Calcineurin Control over Aspergillus Fumigatus Antifungal Response Mechanisms
Funded at Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst · NIH-11117153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called calcineurin helps the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which can make people with weakened immune systems very sick, resist common antifungal medicines, so we can find better ways to treat these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $503,706 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179593-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised individuals at risk of invasive aspergillosis, particularly those with underlying conditions such as cancer or organ transplants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not immunocompromised or do not have a risk of invasive aspergillosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of calcineurin, a protein that is crucial for the growth and antifungal response of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, which can cause severe infections in immunocompromised patients. The study aims to uncover how calcineurin regulates the fungus's ability to resist antifungal treatments, particularly azole antifungals, which are commonly used to treat such infections. By using advanced techniques like proteomics and lipidomics, the researchers will identify key proteins and mechanisms involved in this process. The ultimate goal is to develop new strategies to combat antifungal resistance and improve treatment outcomes for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for invasive aspergillosis, potentially reducing mortality rates in immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting calcineurin in fungal pathogens, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Juvvadi, Praveen Rao — Arkansas Children's Hospital Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Juvvadi, Praveen Rao
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.