Understanding how Candida albicans changes its form to survive in the human body
Official title: Mechanisms of White-Opaque Switching in Candida albicans
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10980538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the fungus Candida albicans changes its form to survive in different parts of the body, which is especially important for people with weakened immune systems, so we can better understand how it causes infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | November 6, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $705,466 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175080-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with compromised immune systems who are at higher risk for Candida infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy immune systems and no history of Candida infections may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the fungus Candida albicans switches between two different forms, known as white and opaque. By studying how this switching occurs at the genetic level, the research aims to uncover how C. albicans adapts to various environments within the human body, which is crucial for its survival and ability to cause infections. The approach involves examining the transcription circuits that regulate these changes, providing insights into the stability of these forms and their impact on the fungus's ability to thrive in hosts, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by Candida albicans, particularly in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding fungal behavior and gene regulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Alexander D — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Alexander D
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.