Molecular Mechanisms Of Intracellular Growth, Survival And Pathogenicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,816.00
Summary
Fungi which infect humans are a major health problem, especially for those with compromised immune systems (eg. AIDS, transplant and cancer patients). These fungi cause disease by evading the immune system whilst deriving nutrients for growth. Some fungi evade the immune system by residing within host cells; a hostile and nutrient poor environment. This project will study a pathway that we have shown is required for growth inside host cells. This knowledge will open new avenues for treatment.
Identifying And Characterising The Molecular Determinants Of Fungal Pathogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$315,375.00
Summary
Fungi which infect humans represent one of the fastest growing public health problems. Like bacteria, fungi can pose a serious threat to infected individuals. This is especially true for individuals whose immune system is compromised in any way due to the direct action of another disease such as AIDS, treaments for diseases like cancer or treatment to prevent rejection in organ transplants. The problem is compounded by the lack of safe and effective treament for fungal infections. Many pathogeni ....Fungi which infect humans represent one of the fastest growing public health problems. Like bacteria, fungi can pose a serious threat to infected individuals. This is especially true for individuals whose immune system is compromised in any way due to the direct action of another disease such as AIDS, treaments for diseases like cancer or treatment to prevent rejection in organ transplants. The problem is compounded by the lack of safe and effective treament for fungal infections. Many pathogenic fungi are capable of growing in two very different forms. Usually only one of these forms is pathogenic and causes disease. Therefore, the genes which keep the fungus in the pathogenic form are important factors for infection. By understanding how fungi are capable of infection and avoiding the immune system, good practices and treatments can be development for these life threatening infections.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Fatty Acid Metabolism In Pathogenicity.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$540,075.00
Summary
Fungi which infect humans are a major health problem, especially for those with compromised immune systems (eg. AIDS, transplant and cancer patients). Pathogenic fungi must evade the host s immune system whilst deriving nutrients for growth. Some fungi evade the immune system by residing within host cells. This poses significant challenges to growth due to the nutrient poor environment. By understanding how these fungi adapt to growth inside host cells, new avenues for treatment will emerge.
Elucidation Of Proteins Expressed By Pathogenic Fungi During Animal Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$558,267.00
Summary
Fungi cause a diverse range of diseases and are very difficult to treat. This project looks at the proteins that are made by infectious fungi while they are causing disease in animal cells. Proteins made in particularly high abundance may be essential for the fungus to live and grow in animal tissues. By specifically targeting their production, it should be possible to stop the infection without harming the host cell.