Understanding how certain proteins help fungi resist antifungal drugs
ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporters in Fungal Drug Tolerance
This study is looking at how certain proteins in fungi, like Candida, help them survive antifungal treatments, which can explain why these treatments sometimes don't work and how we might make them better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10885160 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) transporters in helping fungal pathogens, like Candida species, survive antifungal treatments. It focuses on how these transporters detoxify harmful substances and induce changes in the fungus that contribute to drug tolerance. By studying the mechanisms behind these processes, the research aims to uncover why antifungal treatments often fail and how to improve their effectiveness. The approach includes detailed biochemical and structural analyses of specific transporters involved in these survival strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species, who have experienced treatment failures.
Not a fit: Patients with non-fungal infections or those who do not have drug-resistant fungal infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective antifungal therapies that overcome drug resistance in fungal infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting drug resistance mechanisms in pathogens can lead to significant advancements in treatment efficacy, suggesting that this approach may also yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomasiak, Thomas Michael — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Tomasiak, Thomas Michael
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 below.