Fungal infections are an emerging problem worldwide. Among these, infections with members of the group of Mucorales are increasing. The disease caused by these fungal pathogens is called mucormycosis. Different clinical manifestations can be seen, depending on the patient group or the site of the body where the pathogens enter. For all forms, a progressive course is seen, because the pathogens are difficult to detect and difficult to eliminate.

Because of their rapid growth they destroy the tissue severely, which results in high mortality rates. Mucormycosis is mostly seen in severely ill patients, but also in patients suffering from diabetes, or victims of accidents or major burns.

Despite this increasing clinical relevance, only little is known about the pathogens, the onset of disease, their interactions with the human immune system and the virulence traits of the fungus enabling it to cause disease. x000D

Mucor circinelloides and Genetic Modification

One of the fungi causing mucormycosis is Mucor circinelloides, which is the subject of our studies. In this joint project we aim to genetically modify strains of M. circinelloides to render them bioluminescent. This means, they can emit light under certain circumstance and will do so when causing infections in vivo.

By the use of this bioluminescent reporter strains we can then monitor disease progression in different in vivo models. Such reporter strains will be generated in Mucor- wildtype and in strains in which genes necessary for virulence were disrupted.

With this study we will gain a deeper insight in mucormycosis, we will determine and further characterise virulence factors, which could become future antifungal drug targets.