A new area of investigation in my laboratory is the biology of Cryptococcus neoformans. This pathogenic fungus is one of the organisms responsible for infections in the growing numbers of patients who are immunocompromised due to HIV infections, hematological malignancy, or treatment protocols. I am interested in unique aspects of cryptococcal biology which are of biochemical interest and will also suggest possible targets for badly needed antifungal chemotherapy. One C. neoformans project is to study biosynthesis of the fungal polysaccharide coat, a unique structure which is required for virulence and is thus an attractive drug target. Another project is to investigate the biosynthesis of GPIs in this organism, a process which appears to be different in fungi than in mammals.
Experiments are also in progress on the anti-cryptococcal activity of bioactive peptides.
Techniques being used include in vitro glycolipid biosynthesis, lipid analysis, protein purification, toxicity assays, and use of animal models. GPI-anchor attachment is required for Gas1p transport from the endoplasmic reticulum in COP II vesicles. Specific requirements for the ER to Golgi transport of GPI-anchored proteins in yeast. GPI anchor attachment in a yeast in vitro system. Weill Medical College of Cornell University.