Understanding how Candida biofilms adapt to treatment challenges
Official title: Adaptive Evolution of Candida Biofilms
Funded at San Jose State University · NIH-10897120 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a type of fungus called Candida glabrata adapts to tough conditions, which can help us find better treatments for infections, especially for people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Jose State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Jose, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $146,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16AI167832-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897120 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 risk for Candida infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fungal infections caused by other pathogens or those with healthy immune systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the adaptation of Candida biofilms, particularly Candida glabrata, to environmental stresses, which is crucial for developing effective treatments for fungal infections. The researchers aim to create a new method for long-term cultivation of these biofilms to study their evolution and identify essential genes that contribute to their resistance. By understanding how these biofilms protect themselves and adapt, the research seeks to inform better therapeutic strategies for patients, especially those who are immunocompromised. The project will involve laboratory experiments to observe and analyze the behavior of these fungal biofilms over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from difficult-to-treat fungal infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding fungal biofilms, but this specific approach to studying Candida glabrata is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
San Jose State University
San Jose, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kao, Katy C — San Jose State University
- Study coordinator: Kao, Katy C
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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.