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Exploring the Mechanisms and Cellular Specificities of Antifungal Toxins

Award Number: R35GM161960
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2031

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Exploring the Mechanisms and Cellular Specificities of Antifungal Toxins - PROJECT SUMMARY Fungal toxins are critical to microbial competition and pathogenicity, offering valuable insights into their interactions with fundamental cellular processes and in microbial ecology. This research program investigates the molecular mechanisms of fungal toxin-mediated cell killing, the pathways that govern toxin susceptibility, and the evolutionary dynamics of toxin-target interactions. By integrating molecular modeling, artificial intelligence, evolutionary biology, and biochemistry, the program aims to uncover the determinants of toxin cell-type specificity, with future implications for understanding the molecular mechanisms of protein toxins and fundamental cellular processes in fungi. The investigator has established foundational knowledge of killer toxin diversity, specificity, and mechanisms of action. These studies have identified critical pathways influencing toxin susceptibility, demonstrated the rapid evolution of toxins and their targets, and uncovered novel antifungal activities with potential commercial applications. The investigator’s proven productivity, dedication to mentoring future scientists, and development of innovative methodologies highlight the ability to deliver impactful research while adapting to emerging technologies and evolving questions in killer toxin research. This program will advance our understanding of diverse killer toxins produced by fungi, focusing on their cytotoxicity and interactions with cellular structures. It aims to address key knowledge gaps in toxin function and specificity by developing a rapid toxin characterization pipeline. The program will also use the Saccharomyces K1 toxin as a model to investigate its structural homology with other toxins, explore its interactions with fungal cells, and examine the evolution of resistance, mainly through changes to the fungal cell wall and membrane. This research will enhance our understanding of resistance mechanisms evolved by fungi in response to external stressors and open new avenues for antifungal strategies targeting opportunistic fungal pathogens.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $426,404 )
2026	2026	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO	875 PERIMETER DR	MOSCOW	ID	83844	LATAH	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	3/24/2026	NEW	$426,404
														Subtotal = $426,404

Grand Total All Awards = $426,404

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Exploring the Mechanisms and Cellular Specificities of Antifungal Toxins

Award Number: R35GM161960

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 05/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 01/31/2031

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