Understanding how C. albicans invades human tissues
Official title: C. albicans invasive growth
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11012322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the fungus C. albicans changes from a harmless yeast to a harmful form that can cause serious infections, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how this fungus behaves in our bodies and how we might stop it from becoming dangerous.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | January 17, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $646,032 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177553-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for C. albicans infections, such as those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of C. albicans infections or are not at risk for such infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the fungal pathogen C. albicans transitions from a harmless yeast form to an aggressive invasive form that can cause severe infections. By using genetic screening, the study aims to identify specific mutants that are less capable of invasive growth, focusing on the role of endocytosis and other novel functions in this process. The research will explore how these mechanisms operate both in laboratory settings and within the human body, providing insights into the pathogen's behavior during infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or reduce the severity of infections caused by C. albicans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding fungal pathogenesis, but this specific approach to studying invasive growth mechanisms in C. albicans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Konopka, James B — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Konopka, James B
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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.