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, Ann Arbor, 1975 - 1977
- Intern, Riverside Methodist Hospital, 1974 - 1975
- M.D., The University of Toledo, 1974
Grants
- Interdisciplinary Research Training Program in AIDS
- Genetic and Genomics Training Grant
- Phase II, study to evaluate the safety of APX001 with Invasive mold infections caused by Aspergillus or rare mold
- Host directed medicine in invasive fungal infection - HDM-FUN
- Biosynthesis of antifungal nucleoside antibiotics
- Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program
- Making an early diagnosis of talaromycosis - an approach to reduce morbidity and mortality in advanced HIV infection in Southeast Asia
- Transplant Infectious Diseases Interdisciplinary Research Training Grant (TIDIRTG)
- Evolution of Cryptococcus neoformans Strains from Patients with HIV/AIDS
- Mapping of the IgM and IgG antibody responses to Talaromyces marneffei infection in mice and humans - Deciphering acute from reactivated or latent infections (R21)
- Duke CTSA (TL1)
- Advancing Genomic Technologies to Combat Infectious Disease: Mapping Dynamics within Single Cells, Individual Hosts, and Global Populations (U19)
- Mentoring Patient Oriented Research in Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
- The Role of Host Inositol in Cryptococcus Biology and Pathogenesis