Understanding how Candida albicans causes infections in humans
Official title: Regulation of Candida albicans Pathogenesis by Protein Kinase and Transcription Factor Networks
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11043352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the fungus Candida albicans can change from being harmless to causing serious infections, and it aims to find out what genes and proteins are involved in this process, which could help develop better treatments for patients dealing with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $739,862 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177254-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are immunocompromised or have a history of recurrent Candida infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal infections or those who do not have a history of Candida-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the fungus Candida albicans transitions from harmless colonization to causing serious infections. It focuses on the genetic networks involving protein kinases and transcription factors that regulate this process. By using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing, the research aims to identify key factors that contribute to mucosal infections and potentially severe bloodstream infections. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new antifungal treatments or prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for infections caused by Candida albicans, particularly for vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding fungal pathogenesis, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krysan, Damian J — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Krysan, Damian J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Healthier Workplace Center for the Midwest
A multi-site NIH grant aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by coordinating research and sharing evidence-based strategies.
-
Serotonin pathways and how they help recovery after seizures
A researcher is studying how serotonin-related brain circuits influence waking up after seizures, using mouse models to understand why some people with epilepsy have dangerous breathing pauses after seizures.
-
Serotonin brain circuit clues to safer sleep after seizures
Aims to understand how brain serotonin systems and CO2-triggered arousal affect recovery after seizures in mouse models to reduce SUDEP risk.
-
Improved ICU Mobility Care through a Smart Guideline in the EHR
A hospital study will test a smart tool in the electronic health record to help ICU teams identify when to start patient-friendly mobility activities and coordinate a plan tailored to each patient.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Pain and aging: how nerve cells become more sensitive with age
This project looks at why older adults often have chronic pain by studying how nerve cells in aging animals become more sensitive and how inflammation might drive this change.
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.