Fungal Pathogen Genome Project
The Project:
Fungi which infect humans represent one of the fastest growing public health problems. Like bacteria, fungi can pose a serious threat to infected individuals. This is especially true for individuals whose immune system is compromised due to the direct action of another disease such as AIDS, treatments for diseases like cancer or treatment to prevent rejection in organ transplants. The problem is compounded by the lack of safe and effective treatment for fungal infections. By understanding how fungi are capable of infection and avoiding the immune system, good practices and treatments can be development for these life-threatening infections.
Fungal Genetics Group Homepage
Goal/Deliverables:
Sequencing the genome of P.
marneffei will facilitate the identification of the
genes in this pathogen. This invaluable resource will
identify novel genes unique to P. marneffei, allow
for the construction of microarrays which can be used to
identify genes involved in pathogenicity and permit
comparisons to the many other sequenced fungal genomes
(some of which are also pathogens and others which are
related but not pathogenic) which will also provide
important insights into pathogenicity.
P. marneffei is the third most common infection in AIDS sufferers in Southeast Asia and cases have been reported worldwide. P. marneffei, like many fungal pathogens, is capable of growing in two different forms (termed dimorphism), only one of which is pathogenic and causes disease. Therefore, the genes which keep maintain the pathogenic form are important disease factors. Evolutionarily, P. marneffei is closely related to many other species which are biotechnologically important, but it is the only dimorphic species.
What is the benefit to Australia?
The close relationship of P.
marneffei to biotechnologically important fungi, its
role as a pathogen and the fundamental interest in the
molecular basis of dimorphism makes it an important
sequencing candidate. Arguably, P. marneffei has
the best developed genetic tools and we are undoubtedly the
world leaders in this field; well positioned to take
advantage of a genome sequence. Many other fungal pathogens
has been sequenced in the USA. An Australian fungal genome
project would keep us in the forefront.
The Cost:
The genome of P. marneffei is
estimated to be approximately 26-30 Mb.
Dr Alex Andrianopoulos
Department of Genetics
University of Melbourne
PHONE: (03) 8344 5164
FAX: (03) 8344 5139
EMAIL: alex.a@unimelb.edu.au
WEB: http://www.genetics.unimelb.edu.au/fungus/
