Evolutionary events shaping the genome of Cryptococcus neoformans and their effects on pathogenesis [ 2009 - 2012 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr James Fraser (Principal investigator)

Brief description Recurring infection in patients with fungal meningitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans is typically caused by persistence of the original infection rather than reinfection with a new strain. Our analysis of relapse strains shows that small-scale alterations frequently occur at the chromosome ends - regions containing important pathogenesis-related genes in other pathogens. We seek to characterise this microevolution further to understand how it contributes to the success of this pathogen.

Funding Amount $AUD 387,489.51

Funding Scheme Career Development Fellowships

Notes RD Wright Biomedical CDF