What makes the Histoplasma fungus switch into its disease-causing form
Gene circuits that control morphology in Histoplasma
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11262184
Researchers are looking at how the Histoplasma fungus senses body temperature and switches into the infection-causing form, which could help people who get histoplasmosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11262184 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective as a patient, scientists grow the Histoplasma fungus in the lab and change temperatures to see how it flips between mold and yeast forms. They use gene-editing tools like CRISPR and sequencing methods (RNA-seq and ATAC-seq) to find the genes and regulatory circuits that control shape and virulence. The team has already identified key Ryp transcription factors and will map where these proteins bind and how they change gene activity. The work uses fungal samples and lab models rather than testing treatments in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients and instead focuses on laboratory studies of the fungus, so there are no patient eligibility criteria for participation.
Not a fit: Because the work is lab-based and does not involve clinical treatment, people with histoplasmosis are unlikely to get direct personal benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or diagnostics that reduce how often Histoplasma causes severe infection.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have identified the Ryp transcription factors and successfully used CRISPR and sequencing to map fungal gene regulation, but translating those findings into patient treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SIL, ANITA — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: SIL, ANITA
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.