# Fungal regulatory systems directing mammalian host colonization

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · 2024 · $479,480

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The fungus Candida albicans is a ubiquitous member of the human gut microbiota, yet also
causes mucosal disease and life-threatening disseminated infections. The research program
that I describe here seeks to understand the links between the fungus' facet as intestinal
commensal and its ability to proliferate in disparate organs. The program is built upon recent
findings from my laboratory which ¾ through systematic genetic screens conducted in mouse
models of gut colonization, oropharyngeal candidiasis and disseminated infections ¾ reveal
that fungal genetic determinants of fitness in the gut also shape the interactions of the fungus
with other tissues. The proposed study encompasses three specific directions: (i) elucidating the
mechanisms of activation and inhibition of a regulator of fungal sphingolipids which is active in
the gut and inside human neutrophils; (ii) defining the effector genes and extracellular cue(s) of
a regulator that promotes binding to intestinal mucus; and (iii) identifying C. albicans gene
products that enable the fungus to inhabit the intestinal mucus layer. The proposed research is
expected to reveal basic principles underlying the interplay between mammalian host and the
most prominent fungus residing in humans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10799590
- **Project number:** 5R01AI175081-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Jose Christian Perez
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $479,480
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-03-02 → 2028-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10799590

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10799590, Fungal regulatory systems directing mammalian host colonization (5R01AI175081-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10799590. Licensed CC0.

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