Research in my laboratory focuses around several aspects of medical mycology. We are investigating antifungal agents (new and old) in animal models of candida and cryptococcal infections. We have examined clinical correlation of in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing and with in vivo outcome. Our basic science project examines the molecular pathogenesis of cryptococcal infections. We have developed a molecular foundation for C. neoformans, including transformation systems, gene disruptions, differential gene expression screens, and cloning pathogenesis genes. The goal of this work is to use C. neoformans as a model yeast system to identify molecular targets for antifungal drug development. There are a series of clinical trials in fungal infections which are being coordinated through this laboratory and my work also includes a series of antibiotic trials in various aspects of infections. Finally, we have now been awarded a NIH sponsored Mycology Unit for 5 years with 6 senior investigators which is focused on C. neoformans as a pathogenic model system, but will include multiple areas of medical mycology from diagnosis to treatment.
Education and Training
- Fellow, Infectious Diseases, Duke University School of Medicine, 1977 - 1980
- Resident, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, 1975 - 1977
- Intern, Riverside Methodist Hospital, 1974 - 1975
- M.D., University of Toledo, 1974
Grants
- Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program
- Making an early diagnosis of talaromycosis - an approach to reduce morbidity and mortality in advanced HIV disease in Southeast Asia
- Advancing Genomic Technologies to Combat Infectious Disease: Mapping Dynamics within Single Cells, Individual Hosts, and Global Populations
- Transplant Infectious Diseases Interdisciplinary Research Training Grant
- Evolution of Cryptococcus neoformans Strains from Patients with HIV/AIDS
- Duke CTSA (TL1)
- Mentoring Patient Oriented Research in Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
- Interdisciplinary Research Training Program in AIDS
- APX001-201 SURGE
- Biosynthesis of peptidyl nucleoside antifungal antibiotics
- Genetics Training Grant
- Validation of a Novel Fungicidal Approach for Cryptococcal Meningitis
- Transdisciplinary Program to Identify Novel Antifungal Targets and Inhibitors
- Pathobiology of C. neoformans in the Central Nervous System
- Development of a new class of antifungals effective against Cryptococcus