Genetic and chemical validation of sugar nucleotide biosynthesis as a target against Candida albicans

Fungi are widespread bugs and most of us carry some of these organisms. Normally our immune system is able to suppress their growth. However, when the immune system is weakened, for instance during chemotherapy, organ transplants or HIV infection, these microbes are able to establish lethal infections that are not uniformly treatable with currently available drugs.

We aim to understand proteins that are important for building the cell wall of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans – a structure that protects this microbe from its environment.

This work will ultimately lead to the identification of opportunities for the discovery of novel anti-fungal drugs by the pharmaceutical industry.