Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi
NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
About This Grant
Project Summary/Abstract Fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus kill millions annually worldwide and are especially dangerous for immunocompromised and aging individuals. The estimated annual economic burden of fungal diseases in the U.S. alone was $11.5 billion in 2019. Despite advances in antifungal therapies, there is a critical need for new molecular targets that bypass evolving resistance mechanisms. This project focuses on TOK channels, a fungal-specific family of potassium channels that control key physiological processes and have not been explored as antifungal targets. Recent breakthroughs in cryo-electron microscopy and electrophysiological assays offer new opportunities to define TOK channel architecture, gating, and ligand engagement at near- atomic resolution. The research in this project will determine high-resolution structures of C. albicans TOK (CaTOK) and A. fumigatus TOK1 (AfTOK1) in various functional states and identify small-molecule modulators that selectively alter channel activity, their mechanism of action at high-resolution, and their effect on fungal growth. Structural insights and comparative analyses will clarify whether these channels share core gating mechanisms while exhibiting distinct binding pockets suited for targeted inhibition. By mapping critical residues through site-directed mutagenesis and linking structural conformations to changes in rectification and ion selectivity, the work will reveal how TOK function underpins fungal fitness under stress, building an unprecedented picture of a highly unexplored potassium channel family and its gating and modulation. The expected translational outcome is a comprehensive framework for developing specialized inhibitors that beneficially modulate either CaTOK or AfTOK1, paving the way for antifungal agents that minimize off-target complications in mammalian cells. These findings will address pressing clinical demands for novel strategies to curb fungal drug resistance.
Grant Summary
Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi is a NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant providing up to $741K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2031-06-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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How to Apply
Up to $741K
2031-06-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases before the deadline.
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Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi?
Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi is offered by NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi provide?
Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi provides up to $741K per award from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi deadline?
Applications for Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi are due 2031-06-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi?
To apply for Decoding the structure, function and pharmacology of TOK Channels from human-pathogenic fungi, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NIAID - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.