Currently I am working on characterization of the trehalose pathway in A. fumigatus. Trehalose is an important disaccharide found in insects and fungi that is absent in mammals. Previous studies in yeast have demonstrated an important role of trehalose in human fungal pathogenesis. Whether trehalose also plays an important role in Aspergillus pathogenesis is unknown. Consequently, we have begun characterization of the trehalose biosynthesis pathways in this important mold pathogen. Preliminary studies have revealed a significant amount of redundancy in the trehalose pathways in this filamentous fungus. Generation of mutants in this pathway no longer capable of trehalose production suggest that like in yeast, trehalose is an important component of the A. fumigatus virulence arsenal.

Recent Publication: Puttikamonkul S, Willger S.D, Grahl N, Perfect J.R., Movahed, N., Bothner, B., Park, S., Paderu, P., Perlin, D.S., and Cramer, R.A. 2010.  Trehalose-6-Phosphate Phosphatase is required for cell wall integrity and fungal virulence but not trehalose biosynthesis in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Molecular Microbiology, 77: