MYCOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAM

The Mycology Research Program of the Center for Medical Mycology (CMM) seeks to build foundations in both basic and applied sciences. The focus of research is based upon in vitro and in vivo model systems to acquire basic knowledge crucial to a comprehensive understanding of the problem being investigated. Results from these studies form the basis for clinical studies, which involve support provided by the Center's Mycology Reference Laboratory and the Clinical Trials Unit.

The goal of the Center is to create basic research laboratories investigating various aspects of fungal pathogenesis, physiology, and molecular biology as they pertain to virulence. These investigations will complement the clinical studies and the activities performed in the Mycology Reference Laboratory. The long term objectives include the discovery of novel antifungal agents and treatment approaches. Selected examples of potential areas of investigation are listed below:

Fungal Biofilms

• Development of strategies to treat biofilm-related infections.
   

Fungal Genetics

• Studies employing state-of-the-art techniques of molecular biology, immunology and genetic engineering to better define structure, function and pathogenic mechanisms of fungi.

Pathogenesis and Host Parasite Interactions

• Yeasts, moulds and dimorphic fungi including the dermatophytes and opportunists - The role of extracellular enzymes, such as phospholipases, and other factors in the infectious process to include assessment of adherence to skin and other surfaces at the cellular and molecular levels.
• Pathogenic mechanisms and basic biology of dermatophytes and opportunistic fungal pathogens (such as Candida and Cryptococcus).
• Early host-parasite interactions

Immunotherapy

• Development of immunotherapeutic approaches to treat dermatophytes, dimorphic fungi and opportunistic pathogens using recombinant DNA technology.
   

Research efforts at the CMM are funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, and the pharmaceutical industry.

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