Research TopicsDepartment of Veterinary Pathobiology
Ph.D. (1989) University of Illinois
Research Topics
Research Interests
The main focus of my research is Candida albicans , a fungus that can exist in the human body as a commensal and, when presented with the correct opportunity, cause a variety of disease conditions. Two main forms of candidiasis are superficial and disseminated disease. Superficial (mucocutaneous) disease, such as vaginal candidiasis, can occur in normally healthy individuals. It is estimated that 75% of all women will experience Candida vaginitis and that 5% of women suffer from a recurrent, acute form of the condition. Normally healthy people can also suffer from denture stomatitis (denture sore mouth), a condition that affects up to 65% of denture wearers. Superficial candidiasis also strikes immunocompromised individuals. One prime example is esophageal candidiasis, an initial clinical sign associated with AIDS. Development of disseminated candidiasis typically requires a severe immunodeficiency. Once disseminated through the bloodstream, C. albicans can cause disease in a variety of organs and tissues and can be fatal. Work in my laboratory includes investigations into Candida adherence and biofilm formation.
For the past several years, we have been investigating the ALS (agglutinin-like sequence) gene family of Candida albicans . The family includes eight genes that encode cell-surface glycoproteins, some of which function in adhesion to host surfaces. Current projects are aimed at understanding the comparative structure and function of the Als proteins and at answering larger questions about the role of gene families in Candida pathogenesis. Experimental approaches include molecular and biochemical techniques, the use of in vitro and animal disease models, and also analysis of human clinical specimens. A full-genome microarray that we constructed as part of a collaborative group is also used in our studies of Candida adherence.
In more recent collaborative work, we are studying the biology of formation and antifungal drug resistance in Candida biofilms. Formation of Candida biofilms on prosthetic devices is a significant medical problem and often necessitates removal of the device. Using microarray analysis, we have identified genes that are differentially expressed at various timepoints during biofilm development. These genes are being studied in more detail to understand their contribution to biofilm formation and antifungal drug resistance.
Key Words Pathogenesis, fungi, Candida species, microarray, adhesion, glycoprotein, genomics, gene family, biofilm, therapeutics
Current Research Funding
NIH, private industry