Understanding how Candida albicans senses low copper levels
Official title: Investigation of the role of CuZnSod1 in sensing Cu-deficient conditions in Candida albicans
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10822680 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the fungus Candida albicans senses and reacts to low copper levels, which is important for its survival in people, and it aims to find ways to make treatments more effective by understanding a specific protein that helps the fungus adapt.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,408 |
| NIH project number | 1F32GM153029-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10822680 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from Candida albicans infections, especially those who are immunocompromised or have recurrent infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other types of fungi or those who do not have Candida albicans infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the fungus Candida albicans detects and responds to low copper conditions, which is crucial for its survival in human hosts. The study focuses on the role of a specific protein, CuZnSod1, and its interactions with other proteins and genes that help the fungus adapt to varying copper levels. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential vulnerabilities in the fungus that could be targeted for treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective antifungal therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for infections caused by Candida albicans, particularly in patients with compromised immune systems.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting fungal responses to nutrient availability, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vaccaro, Francesca — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Vaccaro, Francesca
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating genetic factors in Lewy body diseases
This study is looking at how changes in a specific gene might play a role in conditions like Parkinson's disease and dementia, so that people can better understand how their genetics affect their health and possibly find more tailored treatments.
-
Targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 protein in a deadly childhood cancer
This study is looking at a specific protein that helps a tough childhood cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, with the goal of finding new ways to treat kids who have this illness.
-
Improving population health by studying reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different things in our environment can impact pregnancy and the health of babies, and it’s for people who are planning to have children or are already parents, as it aims to help improve understanding and outcomes for everyone involved.
-
Modeling axon degeneration in C. elegans to help ALS patients
Researchers are using a tiny worm model to uncover how axons break down, which could point to new ways to help people with ALS and related nerve diseases.
-
Induced Suppression of Platelet Activity in Aneurysmal SAH Management
A new approach tests whether carefully reducing platelet activity can improve outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
-
AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
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.