Michael C. Lorenz, Ph.D.
1997, Duke University
The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Medical School
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
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Michael C. Lorenz, Ph.D. 1997, Duke University The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston |
Research Interests:
The research in my laboratory is focused on understanding the interaction between the mammalian immune system and Candida albicans, which is simultaneously a ubiquitous and generally benign commensal of the mammalian gut and the most important fungal pathogen of humans. There are many manifestations of candidiasis, including oral, vaginal and skin infections, but we are mostly concerned with bloodstream infections, a very serious and frequently fatal infection that affects mostly immunocompromised people. The central theme of our research is to understand the very complex interactions between mammalian immune cells and C. albicans and we do this by a variety of in vitro and in vivo approaches.
Research in the lab spans microbiology, genetics, genomics, and immunology, giving students exposure to a wide variety of concepts and techniques, including basic cloning and molecular biology, genetic screens, gene knockouts, animal virulence models, tissue culture, transfection and transformation, and microarray analysis. Though they may focus on only a few of these areas, through a broad exposure they will learn to integrate these different ideas into a single research program.
Selected Publications:
Ramirez MA, Lorenz MC (2007) Mutations in alternative carbon utilization pathways in Candida albicans attenuate virulence and confer pleiotropic phenotypes. Eukaryot Cell, 6:280-290.
Chiranand W, McLeod I, Zhou H, Vega LA, Myers H, Yates JR III, Lorenz MC, Gustin MC (2008) The CTA4 transcription factor mediates induction of nitrosative stress responses in Candida albicans. Eukaryot Cell, e-pub ahead of print, doi:10.1128/EC.00240-07.
Zhou H, Lorenz MC (2008) The role of acetyltransferases in carbon utilization and virulence in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Microbiol, 154:500-509.
Program Affiliation:
Program in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics