Systematic identification of Candida albicans secreted proteins required for virulence

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Candida albicans is the major fungal pathogen of people. It causes infections such as thrush, an irritating infection of the vagina or mouth, with vaginal infections affecting over three quarters of women at least once in their lifetime. It can also cause life-threatening bloodstream infections in a variety of hospital patients. These infections are difficult to diagnose and, even with treatment, the mortality rates are unacceptably high. A striking feature of C. albicans is its ability to release proteins that cause tissue damage and prevent the infection from being cleared. However, from our own work, it is clear that relatively few of the proteins C. albicans is predicted to release have been studied. In this project we will carry out an analysis of the full repitoire of proteins that C. albicans can actively release and determine their role in causing disease. Ultimately, in addition to increasing our knowledge of this important pathogen, this work will reveal new markers that could be used in the diagnosis of C. albicans infections. Furthermore, through this work we will identify targets for the development of new drugs or vaccines to help treat and prevent these diseases.