Mechanisms of antifungal resistance in pathogenic fungi

Invasive fungal infections caused by yeasts (e.g. Candida) or molds (e.g. Aspergillus, Mucorales) are difficult to treat because of the limited number of antifungal drugs and the development of resistance. For instance, Candida auris is an emerging yeast pathogen with the ability to develop resistance to all existing antifungal drugs and to cause hospital outbreaks. Aspergillus fumigatus is the main cause of invasive aspergillosis and environmental strains with azole resistance are spreading.

Our research laboratory investigates the mechanisms of antifungal resistance in pathogenic fungi (Candida auris, Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucorales) using molecular biology tools (genetic transformations by CRISPR-Cas9, transcriptomic analyses). We also investigate the mechanisms of adherence and biofilm formation, which are important for the virulence and spread of Candida auris.

• Jizhou Li (post-doctoral fellow)
• Marine Louvet (PhD student)
• Danielle Brandalise (laboratory technician)
• Daniel Bachmann (laboratory technician)
• Dominique Sanglard (scientific advisor)