The research performed in the context of the K08 follows work as a fellow and by combining pharmocodynamics (PD) and molecular biology will open the development of an entirely untapped field of study. C. albicans is the most common opportunistic pathogen in HIV infected patients. Azoles are frontline agents for treatment of Candida infections, however therapy remains suboptimal and several mechanisms of azole resistance have recently emerged. There is a need for improved therapy and an understanding of drug exposure factors that lead to and prevent of the emergence of resistance. The proposed research is divided into two phases. (l) In phase one, azole PDs will be studied in a murine model. The findings obtained in the PD studies will be used to optimize dosing of azoles and investigate the relationship between the emergence of specific resistance mechanisms and azole dosing using (a) reconstruction experiments with a susceptible parent strain, doped with a fixed level of the genetically related resistant mutant strain and (b) a strain which has demonstrated temporary phenotypic resistance. (2) In phase two, basic studies of gene expression in C. albicans will be undertaken and correlated with results of phase I PD studies. Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) will be used to study mRNA abundance in C. albicans on a genome-wide basis. The biologic variables will include: the adaptive response of C. albicans to azole antibiotics (a) during the initial exposure, (b) following exposure during period of inhibition and regrowth, or the postantifungal effect (PAFE), and (c) the effect of specific known resistance mutations on these responses. The candidate's goal is to integrate knowledge of antifungal PD and the acquisition of approaches and skills in molecular biology through the completion of this grant.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
5K08AI001767-03
Application #
6631667
Study Section
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases B Subcommittee (MID)
Program Officer
Duncan, Rory A
Project Start
2001-04-01
Project End
2006-03-31
Budget Start
2003-04-01
Budget End
2004-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$129,735
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
161202122
City
Madison
State
WI
Country
United States
Zip Code
53715
Nobile, Clarissa J; Nett, Jeniel E; Hernday, Aaron D et al. (2009) Biofilm matrix regulation by Candida albicans Zap1. PLoS Biol 7:e1000133
Nobile, Clarissa J; Schneider, Heather A; Nett, Jeniel E et al. (2008) Complementary adhesin function in C. albicans biofilm formation. Curr Biol 18:1017-24
Nobile, Clarissa J; Nett, Jeniel E; Andes, David R et al. (2006) Function of Candida albicans adhesin Hwp1 in biofilm formation. Eukaryot Cell 5:1604-10
Nett, Jeniel; Andes, David (2006) Candida albicans biofilm development, modeling a host-pathogen interaction. Curr Opin Microbiol 9:340-5
Andes, D; Forrest, A; Lepak, A et al. (2006) Impact of antimicrobial dosing regimen on evolution of drug resistance in vivo: fluconazole and Candida albicans. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 50:2374-83
Andes, D; Lepak, A; Nett, J et al. (2006) In vivo fluconazole pharmacodynamics and resistance development in a previously susceptible Candida albicans population examined by microbiologic and transcriptional profiling. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 50:2384-94
Nobile, Clarissa J; Andes, David R; Nett, Jeniel E et al. (2006) Critical role of Bcr1-dependent adhesins in C. albicans biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo. PLoS Pathog 2:e63
Andes, David (2006) Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antifungals. Infect Dis Clin North Am 20:679-97
Andes, D; Lepak, A; Pitula, A et al. (2005) A simple approach for estimating gene expression in Candida albicans directly from a systemic infection site. J Infect Dis 192:893-900
Andes, David (2005) Use of an animal model of disseminated candidiasis in the evaluation of antifungal therapy. Methods Mol Med 118:111-28

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