Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :

Molecular insight into the role of Rta2 in calcineurin pathway-mediated circumvention of endoplasmic reticulum stress in Candida albicans

Area of research :

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Sneh Lata Panwar, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Equipments :

Details

Executive Summary :

Candida albicans infections pose a significant challenge to immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with AIDS, organ transplants, and cancer chemotherapy. Treatment is hindered by limited antifungal repertoires, drug resistance, and virulence determinants. Despite extensive research, the fungus's adaptation to host environments remains a mystery. The unfolded protein response pathway (UPR) is one pathway that enables the fungus to overcome adverse environments. The classical Ire1-dependent UPR pathway in C. albicans integrates with other signaling pathways to abate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Rta2, a downstream effector molecule of the calcineurin pathway, is known to abate ER stress in C. albicans. However, the precise mechanism and the need for Rta2-mediated ER stress response for virulence-trait expression remain to be validated. albicans. The outcome will reveal new mechanisms of host adaptation by the fungus, expand antifungal target space, and pave the way for future therapeutic strategies to overcome infections caused by the fungus.

Total Budget (INR):

61,70,312

Organizations involved