Understanding how Candida auris resists antifungal treatments
Official title: Mapping the genomic and molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11038004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the fungus Candida auris becomes resistant to antifungal treatments, which is important for helping patients who are at risk of serious infections from this tough-to-treat fungus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,206,879 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI169066-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11038004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have been diagnosed with infections caused by Candida auris or are at high risk for such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections caused by other non-fungal pathogens or those not infected with Candida auris may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind antifungal resistance in the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris, which poses a significant threat to patients worldwide. By analyzing clinical isolates of C. auris, the researchers aim to identify specific genetic mutations and pathways that contribute to resistance against antifungal drugs. The study employs advanced techniques such as genome-wide association studies and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to explore these mechanisms in detail. This work is crucial for developing more effective treatments for infections caused by this resistant fungus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from infections caused by Candida auris.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying antifungal resistance mechanisms in other Candida species, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for C. auris as well.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rogers, P. David — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rogers, P. David
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.