Overview
As an investigator in John Perfect's laboratory, I have continued to study the molecular pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans. We are interested in identifying virulence genes expressed by the fungus during infection using our rabbit model of cryptococcal meningitis and during in vitro exposure to the pathological temperature of 37 degrees C. By PCR differential display, we are identifying genes associated with pathogenesis of the organism and assessing their effects at the molecular level using a 2-hybrid system. In addition, we are disrupting targeted virulence genes using biolistic transformation and assessing their role in the virulence of C neoformans in rabbit and murine models of cryptococcal disease.
Key words: Cryptococcus neoformans
Virulence
Molecular Pathogenesis
Transformation
Key words: Cryptococcus neoformans
Virulence
Molecular Pathogenesis
Transformation
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor in Medicine
·
2021 - Present
Medicine, Infectious Diseases,
Medicine
Recent Publications
Integration of genomic and pharmacokinetic data to predict clinical outcomes in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.
Journal Article mBio · October 16, 2024 UNLABELLED: Cryptococcal meningitis causes an estimated 112,000 global deaths per annum. Genomic and phenotypic features of the infecting strain of Cryptococcus spp. have been associated with outcomes from cryptococcal meningitis. Additionally, population- ... Full text Link to item CiteStructures of trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, Tps1, from the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans: A target for antifungals.
Journal Article Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · August 6, 2024 Invasive fungal diseases are a major threat to human health, resulting in more than 1.5 million annual deaths worldwide. The arsenal of antifungal therapeutics remains limited and is in dire need of drugs that target additional biosynthetic pathways that a ... Full text Link to item CiteEfficacy of Liposomal Nystatin in a Rabbit Model of Cryptococcal Meningitis.
Journal Article J Fungi (Basel) · July 26, 2024 Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) causes significant global morbidity and mortality. Current therapeutic strategies rely on deoxycholated or liposomal forms of the polyene amphotericin B. Nystatin is also a polyene with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Tr ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Evolution of Cryptococcus neoformans Strains from Patients with HIV/AIDS
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2011 - 2024AM-2-19 Efficacy Testing in a Mouse Model of Cryptococcosis
ResearchResearch Scientist · Awarded by Sfunga Therapeutics · 2022 - 2023Pathobiology of C. neoformans in the Central Nervous System
ResearchAssistant Research Professor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2014 - 2020View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ·
1977
Ph.D.