Project description
Insight into antifungal resistance in Aspergillus flavus and related species
Aspergillus section Flavi is a group of filamentous fungi known for producing aflatoxins, potent carcinogenic compounds that contaminate crops such as peanuts and maize. Aspergillus species are common in decaying organic matter and pose significant risks to food safety and agriculture. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the TARAF project aims to classify section Flavi species to better understand their diversity, traits, and potential virulence. In particular, the research team will investigate the growing issue of azole resistance, a concern when treating Aspergillus infections with commonly used antifungal drugs. Molecular analysis will help identify genetic mutations or mechanisms responsible for resistance, providing insights into treatment strategies and the spread of resistant strains.
Objective
The project on taxonomy and azole resistance in Aspergillus section Flavi aims to investigate the classification and drug resistance patterns of fungal species within this specific section. Aspergillus section Flavi comprises various species known to produce carcinogenic aflatoxins, posing significant risks to human and animal health.
The project involves taxonomic studies to accurately identify and classify different species within Aspergillus section Flavi. This classification is essential for understanding the diversity and distribution of these fungi, as well as their specific traits and potential virulence factors.
Another crucial aspect of the project is the investigation of azole resistance in Aspergillus section Flavi. Azoles are commonly used antifungal drugs for treating Aspergillus infections. However, reports of azole resistance in certain Aspergillus species have raised concerns. Understanding the mechanisms behind azole resistance is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and identifying potential targets for drug development.
The project involves molecular analysis techniques to detect and characterize genetic mutations or other mechanisms associated with azole resistance in Aspergillus section Flavi. Additionally, it may involve assessing the clinical impact of azole resistance on patient outcomes and exploring potential risk factors for the development and spread of resistant strains.
By combining taxonomic studies with investigations into azole resistance, the project aims to enhance our understanding of the diversity, distribution, and drug resistance profiles of Aspergillus species within section Flavi. This knowledge can ultimately contribute to improved diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, and public health strategies to mitigate the impact of these fungal infections.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologymycology
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutation
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Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
1011 JV AMSTERDAM
Netherlands