Why some Aspergillus fungi make people sick while others don't
Deciphering the phenotypic and genomic traits that underlie the evolution of pathogenicity differences among Aspergillus fumigatus and its close relatives
Researchers are comparing genes and physical traits of Aspergillus fumigatus and its close relatives to learn why some of these fungi cause disease in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235160 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will compare the DNA and observable traits of A. fumigatus and many related Aspergillus species to find what makes some strains able to cause human disease. Scientists will sequence genomes, examine genes tied to growth at body temperature, virulence, and toxin production, and test key traits in laboratory models. By tracking which genetic changes happened repeatedly when fungi became pathogenic, the team hopes to reveal shared patterns or species-specific strategies. The work is lab-based at Vanderbilt and does not involve giving experimental treatments to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had invasive or chronic aspergillosis, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those willing to donate clinical samples for fungal research would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People with non-fungal lung diseases or health conditions unrelated to Aspergillus are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for better diagnostics, antifungal drugs, or prevention strategies against Aspergillus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies have identified some genes and traits linked to A. fumigatus virulence, but comparing many related species to trace repeated evolutionary changes is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rokas, Antonis — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Rokas, Antonis
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.