Prof Alex Andrianopoulos

Laboratory Head
School of BioSciences
University of Melbourne

alex.a@unimelb.edu.au

Research Activities

We are studying a number of aspect of T. marneffei biology and pathogenicity and are particularly interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms which control the dimorphic switching and asexual development (conidiation) programs. Dimorphic switching is a temperature- and host-dependent response that allows T. marneffei to switch from a non-pathogenic hyphal growth form to the pathogenic yeast form. The yeast form is specialized to survive with host innate immune cells. Asexual development is the program the produce asexual spores, the infectious particles. We are teasing up the mechanisms that control these programs and examining their effects on growth and pathogenesis in the host.

Techniques/Expertise

DNA-protein interactions, genomics, transcriptomics

Disease Models

Macrophage cells, zebrafish, mice

Genetically Modified Organisms

Talaromyces marneffei (formerly Penicillium marneffei), Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulans

Other members with similar research interests

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Dr Boris Novakovic

Cell Biology Murdoch Childrens Research Institute SEE FULL PROFILE >

A/Prof Kumar Visvanathan

University of Melbourne SEE FULL PROFILE >

Dr Alison West

Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases Hudson Institute of Medical Research SEE FULL PROFILE >