# P3-Genetic and genomic determinants of colonization in Candida auris, an emerging fungal pathogen

> **NIH NIH U19** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $1,295,241

## Abstract

Project Summary – Project 3 (Fungus)
 A high skin fungal burden is a defining feature of Candida auris, and this burden is
associated with increased risk of disease. The first step in this process is the ability of strains to
attach and adhere, on both biotic and abiotic surfaces. This attachment also is the first step in
the formation of biofilms, which are linked with both persistence and antifungal drug resistance.
However, the cell biology and genetic circuitry underlying the ability of C. auris to colonize the
skin are not known. Our long-term goal is to identify the genetic determinants and regulation of
C. auris skin colonization and thus persistence and transmission between individuals.
 This application details experiments to address a fundamentally important gap in our
knowledge of mechanisms by which C. auris is a successful human fungal pathogen. We
propose three complementary genomics approaches to explore the biology of C. auris skin
colonization. We recently developed genetic tools for interrogating this organism, giving us
unprecedented power to analyze the genes required for C. auris colonization. In Aim 1, we will
use a population genetics and genome-wide association approach to identify naturally-occurring
variants that are associated with increased attachment. In Aim 2, we will use a forward genetics
screening approach and an in vitro model to uncover new effectors and regulators of C. auris
skin attachment. In Aim 3, we will use experimental evolution to identify variants of concern for
skin colonization, and connect this with functional experiments to test the impact of these
variants. Together, these studies will advance new concepts for how C. auris can regulate
adherence, colonization, and outbreak potential.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10852059
- **Project number:** 1U19AI181767-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Teresa R. OMeara
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,295,241
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-14 → 2027-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10852059

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10852059, P3-Genetic and genomic determinants of colonization in Candida auris, an emerging fungal pathogen (1U19AI181767-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10852059. Licensed CC0.

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