Purine metabolism as an antifungal drug target [ 2013 - 2016 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr James Fraser (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Mark Butler

Brief description The fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is responsible for up to a million deaths annually, necessitating the development of novel antifungals. We have characterised the GTP biosynthesis enzyme IMP dehydrogenase, revealing it is critical for infection, and structural and functional analysis reveals routes to inhibitor specificity. In the proposed work will develop novel antifungal compounds that target this enzyme, as well as investigate related enzymes as potential future drug targets.

Funding Amount $AUD 704,198.62

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant