Why Cryptococcus neoformans makes melanin and how it helps the fungus survive
The biology of Cryptococcus neoformans melanization
Researchers are working to learn how the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans builds melanin that helps it survive and resist treatment, which matters for people with weakened immune systems like advanced HIV/AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285238 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team will use lab techniques from biochemistry, cell biology, and solid-state spectroscopy to map how Cryptococcus makes and exports melanin. They will look at the role of lipids in building melanin and how melanin changes the fungus's interactions with immune cells such as macrophages. The researchers will also search for small molecules that can block melanin production so antifungal drugs can work better. Most of the work is done in the lab but is focused on a human pathogen that causes serious disease in people with weakened immune systems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cryptococcal infection—especially those with advanced HIV/AIDS—or patients willing to donate samples to Johns Hopkins or collaborating labs would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without cryptococcal disease or with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to weaken Cryptococcus and make infections easier to treat for patients with advanced immunosuppression.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have already shown melanin helps Cryptococcus survive and resist drugs, but drug approaches that target melanin are still experimental and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casadevall, Arturo — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Casadevall, Arturo
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.