Understanding how certain fungi die to improve treatments for infections
Official title: Cell death pathway leading to vacuole permeabilization
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11021006 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain yeast cells die to find new ways to treat serious fungal infections in people, like those caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, which could lead to better medicines in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,547 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183596-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021006 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients suffering from serious fungal infections, particularly those caused by resistant strains, would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-fungal infections or those not affected by fungal pathogens may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of programmed cell death in unicellular fungal species, particularly focusing on the yeast model Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By examining how these fungi undergo cell death, the study aims to uncover new pathways that could lead to better treatments for serious fungal infections in humans, such as those caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. The researchers will utilize targeted genetic, cell biological, and biochemical methods to explore these pathways, which may ultimately inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies similar to those used in cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapies for fungal infections that are currently difficult to treat.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding cell death mechanisms in other organisms, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in fungal pathogen treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hardwick, J. Marie — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Hardwick, J. Marie
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.