Abstract

Broad long-term objectives: The broad long-term objectives of this work are to identify (i) novel antifungal drug targets and (ii) inhibitors of these antifungal drug targets.
Specific Aims :
Specific Aim 1 of this work is to identify mutants in fungal-specific amino acid and vitamin pathways that undergo nutrient-specific cidal starvation and/or are highly deleterious due to the accumulation of toxic intermediates.
Specific Aim 2 will involve the construction and characterization of the corresponding mutants in C. albicans and C. neoformans. ? ? Relevance: Because there are relatively few antifungal drugs and because of the side effect profiles / efficacy of the available antifungal drugs, there is a great need for novel antifungal drugs. The health relatedness of this project lies in the genetic identification of novel antifungal drug targets. Because the targets will be in fungal-specific pathways, inhibitors should have minimal side effects. Because inhibition of the targets will result in the accumulation of toxic intermediates in the fungus, inhibitors should be effective antifungal drugs. ? ? Relevance of this research to public health: The public health relevance of this work is in its focus on the identification of novel antifungal drug targets that are fungicidal. The identification of fungicidal antifungal drugs, which is a long-term goal, will greatly improve human health. ? ? ?

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
5R21AI070247-02
Application #
7470634
Study Section
Drug Discovery and Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Resistance Study Section (DDR)
Program Officer
Duncan, Rory A
Project Start
2007-08-01
Project End
2010-01-31
Budget Start
2008-08-01
Budget End
2010-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$229,554
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
Duke University
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
044387793
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705