about
Biologically relevant transition metals are required micronutrients for both humans and the microbial pathogens that cause disease. These transition metals are commonly used as catalytical and structural in enzymes that carry out necessary cellular functions. Although required for survival, both too much and too little metal can have dire consequences for cellular health. Due to this, metals are strictly regulated in biology to ensure intracellular levels are within a tolerable range.
The Denning-Jannace lab is specifically interested in understanding the role of transition metals at the host-pathogen interface, where invading microbes first encounter our immune system. Our system of choice are pathogenic fungi from the Candida and Cryptococcal genera. These fungi are able to modulate transition metals to overcome our immune systems and current antifungals to cause systemic, challenging to treat infections. We are also interested in taking what we learn about metal homeostasis to develop light-activated Ruthenium complexes for biofilm prevention.
Research
