FINSYSB

Pathogenomics and Systems Biology of Fungal Infections – An Integrative Approach

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The vision of the FINSysB Network is to generate bright, ambitious and well-trained young researchers capable of contributing significantly to the knowledge-base and economy of the European Union. We will achieve this goal by providing a strong, multidisciplinary training for early stage and experienced researchers in the pathobiology, genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics and systems biology of the medically important fungus, Candida albicans. This microbe causes frequent infections in otherwise healthy individuals and is a common cause of potentially lethal hospital acquired infections in intensive care patients in the EU. Our well-integrated research programme will dissect and model the molecular interactions that take place between this fungal pathogen and its human host during disease progression. FINSysB partners are all internationally renowned, contributing complementary expertise in pathobiology, genomics, molecular biology, bioinformatics and systems biology. Our two SME partners provide a well-defined route for the translation of our research into the development of novel, clinically useful diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies. Our research activities will be supplemented by well-structured training programmes in research skills and complementary transferable skills. This training extends successful programmes that were established during FP6. They will impart state-of-the-art skills in modern predictive and experimental biology as well as useful generic skills. The personal development plans of our young researchers will be enhanced further by secondments to industrial and academic partners and by attendance at advanced summer schools (e.g. on Human Fungal Pathogens, and Yeast Systems Biology). Using this combination of approaches we will provide our early stage and experienced researchers with well-defined career opportunities and equip them with the tools to compete effectively on the international stage.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A European integrated project addressed the clinical need for diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections. European scientists developed new leads for anti-fungal vaccines, drugs and diagnostic markers.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Fungal infections are increasing in incidence and pose a serious health threat to European citizens. To reduce the socioeconomic burden, novel diagnostic tools and vaccines are urgently required.

The fungus Candida albicans constitutes the major cause of life-threatening fungal infections. Although it naturally inhabits the human gastrointestinal tract without causing any harmful effects, in immunocompromised patients it can prove fatal. The main problems in managing fungal infections are the lack of appropriate diagnostic tools and the scarcity of effective drugs.

To address this clinical requirement, scientists on the EU-funded 'Pathogenomics and systems biology of fungal infections an integrative approach' (http://www.finsysb.eu/ (FINSYSB)) project followed an integrative, multidisciplinary approach. They investigated key aspects of host-fungus interactions during fungal infection and set out to identify potential therapeutic targets.

As a first step, they studied the impact of the host microenvironment on fungal virulence and fitness. They discovered that Candida albicans cells could adapt to diverse host microenvironments. Following attack by immune defences, they activated stress responses and adjusted their metabolism to local nutrients. As envisaged, changes in local nutrient availability affected drug resistance and virulence.

Using high-throughput analyses and a plethora of yeast mutants, scientists unravelled new determinants for cell wall biosynthesis and novel functions for yeast biofilm formation. These data led to the identification of putative biomarkers that could be used for diagnosis or as therapeutic targets.

A significant part of the FINSYSB project was devoted to host immune defences and their interplay with Candida albicans. The team showed that yeast morphogenesis is a key determinant in triggering and shaping immune responses. Furthermore, they identified signalling pathways that are activated when immune cells are confronted by yeast cells.

In the 'Defeating the Enemy' part of the project, the network identified potential targets for novel vaccines, diagnostics and antifungal drugs. This work culminated in the identification of a novel antifungal agent with potential anti-fungal efficacy.

Collectively, FINSYSB activities advanced our understanding of yeast-immune interactions. This should prove useful in the development of novel interventions in the battle against fungal infections.