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The cell biology and pathogenesis of cryptococcal disease

Fungal infections represent an unappreciated serious health problem, responsible for 1.6 million deaths yearly, mostly in low-resource, poor areas of the world. One of the leading causes is the environmental yeast Cryptococcus neoformans. Our research goals are to understand the cryptococcal-host interactions that are critical for pathogenesis in order to develop new ways to treat or influence the course of the disease in favor of the host.

Research Focus

Genetics and Genomics

One way to study certain diseases is through genetics - the study of heredity and the variation of individual inherited genes in an organism. At the EIGH, this means studying how organisms can inherit and spread certain diseases. Additionally, by analyzing the entire structure, function, and evolution of an organism's genes, researchers may identify ways to prevent a disease from genetically passing disease traits.
Infectious Diseases

At the EIGH, our researchers work to combat a number of various illnesses, including infectious diseases caused by organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These diseases can also be spread from one person to another and may be transmitted from animals to humans.
Molecular Biology and Microbiology

Researchers at the EIGH use microbiology, which encompasses the study of an entire microorganism, and molecular biology, or the interactivity between molecules within a cell of an organism, to better understand disease and improve global health.