UW-Madison Researchers Identify Gene Target for Candida auris | The Locally Times
UW-Madison Researchers Identify Gene Target for Candida auris
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, have identified a potential therapeutic target to combat Candida auris, a fungus that poses a significant public health threat in hospitals. As reported on June 17, 2026, the team discovered that the TRK1 gene is essential for the fungus to transport potassium, a nutrient required for its growth and colonization of skin. By deleting this single gene, the researchers successfully stopped the fungus from growing in synthetic conditions and on human skin. Candida auris is noted for its resistance to all 3 major classes of antifungal drugs, and infection mortality rates range between 30% and 60% for patients who develop bloodstream infections. While current intravenous medications exist, some strains have shown signs of resistance, necessitating the search for new treatments. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on June 17, 2026. ## Key Questions 1. What is the role of the TRK1 gene in Candida auris? The TRK1 gene controls a protein that transports potassium, which is necessary for the fungus to grow and colonize surfaces like human skin. 2. Why is Candida auris considered a significant health threat? It is the first fungus to spread in hospital settings and is resistant to all 3 major classes of antifungal drugs, with mortality rates for bloodstream infections reaching 30% to 60%.