Identifying and characterising the molecular determinants of fungal pathogenesis [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Alex Andrianopoulos (Principal investigator) ,  Michael Hynes

Brief description 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.

Funding Amount $AUD 315,375.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant