Kuchler

We study the molecular mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity and fundamental problems in infection biology, using a combination of molecular, as well as genome-wide and systems biology approaches.

First, we use reverse genetics approaches to identify virulence and antifungal drug resistance genes in the most prevalent human fungal pathogens such as Candida glabrata and C. albicans. For instance, we have generated a genome-scale gene deletion collection of

We study the molecular mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity and fundamental problems in infection biology, using a combination of molecular, as well as genome-wide and systems biology approaches.

First, we use reverse genetics approaches to identify virulence and antifungal drug resistance genes in the most prevalent human fungal pathogens such as Candida glabrata and C. albicans. For instance, we have generated a genome-scale gene deletion collection of C. glabrata currently comprising some 700 single gene deletions. Further, we decipher the role of histone modification genes in morphogenetic switching, cell fate determination and virulence.

We would like to define the genetic networks and signaling pathways facilitating immune evasion and driving invasion of host cells. We also study the genomic and genetic adaptations occurring in pathogen genomes during host niche or organ colonization and systemic dissemination.

On the host side, we are studying the mechanisms of host-pathogen interaction and cytokine signaling response in primary dendritic cells / macrophages, as well as in mouse infection models, to define their contribution to virulence. Along this line, we delineate the interplay of adaptive and innate immunity in immune surveillance, and, particularly the role of Tec kinases and type I interferons in virulence and dissemination in host tissues and organs.

Finally, we study structure-function relationships of fungal ABC multidrug transporters, and we pursue systems biology approaches to answer how the molecular cross-talk of stress response signaling pathways impact cellular growth control and ion homeostasis in simple model organisms such as baker’s yeast.