CSB Seminar Series – Jennifer Geddes-McAlister (University of Guelph) Overcoming fungal infections with proteomics

CSB Seminar Series

Dr Jennifer Geddes-McAlister
Assistant Professor
Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology
University of Guelph

Overcoming fungal infections with proteomics

Fungal pathogens are critical threats to global health with more than 300 million people afflicted by serious fungal diseases annually. Fungal infections are particularly prevalent amongst immunocompromised individuals and treatment is an ongoing challenge due to the emergence of new pathogens, requirement of prolonged treatment regimens, rising rates of antifungal resistance, and limited selection of clinically effective, nontoxic anti-fungal agents. New treatment options against fungal infections and effective strategies to overcome resistance are urgently needed. To achieve these goals, we focus on the widespread human fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, which has demonstrated resistance against all classes of antifungals, underscoring the critical need for alternative treatments. Importantly, the biological discoveries made in C. neoformans can be extrapolated and applied to other fungal pathogens, including those of both medical and agricultural importance, extending the impact and relevance of our findings. To achieve these goals, my lab uses state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics to pursue two powerful and innovative strategies: i) discovering new anti-virulence strategies against fungal infections; and ii) reversing antifungal resistance. We hypothesize that by disrupting critical interactions between the host and fungal pathogen during infection, and by identifying and inhibiting proteins and/or pathways important for resistance, we will reduce fungal infection rates and severity. Overall, our research program will lead to the development of novel inhibitors to treat fungal infections and reverse antifungal resistance, improving mortality rates and the quality of life for patients, as well as reducing the financial and societal burdens associated with these infections.

HOST: CSB Grad students: PJ Gamueda, Steven Chen

Zoom ID and passcode:

https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/87447422547

Meeting ID: 874 4742 2547

Passcode: 050579