What allows Candida to live and grow in the gut
Candida Determinants of GI Tract Colonization
['FUNDING_P01'] · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · NIH-11321552
Researchers are studying how Candida in the intestines change and interact with gut microbes and antibiotics to learn why they sometimes cause gut inflammation or spread in people, especially those with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11321552 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research looks at the traits of Candida, especially Candida albicans, that let it colonize the mammalian gut and sometimes move from the gut to other parts of the body. Scientists will compare different Candida cell forms (like yeast versus filamentous hyphae) and how antibiotics or the surrounding microbiome change colonization. The work uses laboratory models and biological samples to map the molecular mechanisms behind gut colonization and immune responses. Findings aim to clarify when Candida behaves as a harmless resident versus a pathogen.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with gut Candida overgrowth, inflammatory bowel disease, or weakened immune systems would be the most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for an active bloodstream fungal infection may not receive direct benefit from this basic research right away.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent Candida overgrowth in the gut, reduce related gut inflammation like IBD, and lower the risk of systemic Candida infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that yeast forms of Candida favor gut colonization while hyphal forms drive invasive disease, but this program explores new molecular details and contexts—including non–antibiotic hosts—that are less well understood.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HOHL, TOBIAS M — SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- Study coordinator: HOHL, TOBIAS M
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.